The Reluctant Dog Owner

If you know me even a little, you probably know I'm not really an animal person. Wild animals are fine - so long as I'm watching them from a distance, but pets are really not my thing. Gremlin Gil our pet beta is more pet than I need or want in my life. You probably know I think cats are Satan. I really, really, really hate them. Cole thinks it's funny and likes to tease me about them. We will never get a cat. If we have a mouse infestation, we will get a pet owl. Dogs? I can take them or leave them, but mostly leave them. I don't necessarily think they are evil, I'm mostly just scared of them. As a child, my sister, Grandma Donna, and I were sent to leave fliers at people's houses for my grandpa's campaign. If he lost that election, it's our fault. Any house that had a dog did not receive a flier.

But I married a hunter who "needs" a hunting dog and although I've held out for seven and a half years, he has finally won and we are getting a dog. He was aided in his arguments by two children who are beyond excited for their new pet. When we decided to get a dog, we each had a few criteria. Here are Floyd's criteria:

1. A pointer.
2. Good with kids.
3. Not scared of people.
4. Floppy ears.
5. Obedient.

And here are my criteria:

1. Not mean. People with mean dogs must have some sort of psychological problem.
2. Not huge. I need to be bigger than the dog.
3. Not small. I really hate small dogs, they are too much like cats.
4. One color. I think solid colored dogs are just prettier than multi-colored dogs.
5. Not needing to stay in the house. That will so never happen.

Floyd had really already narrowed it down to about four breeds. The only criteria of mine that he considered was the solid color coat. He spent a few weeks on KSL and finally found the one he wanted. So, on Sunday we took a little drive out to visit our pup. Meet Daisy:


I am not a dog person, but puppies are soooo cute. She was so pretty and the kids adored her. Cole hasn't quit talking about her since then.

As part of our pre-negotiated deal, I said that my responsibility would be to take her running with me. That's all I bargained for. No feeding, no cleaning up, no training. That deal, however, has already been broken. Floyd handed me this book and informed me that I needed to read it so that I can help train her. You know, since I'll be home every day and he'll be gone.

So, I started reading this book - seriously, I am reading it. I got to page 14 and read, "A better rapport between master and dog can be established, training can be made easier, and everyone will be happier, if the dog is treated as a full member of the family. Of course in some cases this might call for a slight readjustment...like a new wife." I'm not kidding, it really says that. But, Mr. Wolters, I am not leaving and the dog is not living in our house.

I don't know whether to be excited for the dog or not. She sure is cute, but I know she'll get big. Ready or not, she will be joining us on Father's Day. Wish me luck!