My Quest for a Puppy

If you know me at all, you know that I desperately want a dog. I grew up with a cockapoo (half cocker spaniel, half poodle) and I'd really like to get another one. They are the best; under 20 pounds, super cute, don't shed, friendly & sociable, great with kids, smart & easily trained, and they don't have an annoying yippy bark. But really, I'd love any dog that fit that criteria.

Paul, however, is not so gun-ho about getting a puppy. Which is a total bummer. I don't really understand it. He grew up with a dog he loved, and he loves playing with dogs at other people's houses. I know getting a dog is adding another expense, but to me it would help us feel more like a family instead of just a married couple. Which is totally worth the extra expense.

So in my quest for a puppy, I've tried several ways to convince Paul that a dog is necessary. Last winter I bought a shirt with dog silhouettes on it that looked like his childhood dog. When we were living in Alexandria, our whole small group (all of whom were dog owners) would drop not-so-subtle hints that we needed a dog as well. I even told Paul that the only thing I would be asking to get for Christmas is a puppy and if he didn't come through I would be inconsolable.

However, none of these attempts have had their desired result. So today when I was subbing in the PM 4's class at preschool some of the kids and I were talking about pets, and I explained my situation to them and asked for their advice. So here are the 2 best responses.

Aidyn said, "Why don't you get a dog and live in one house with your dog and your husband can live in another house with no dog.

Great (she's from Africa and yup, that's her real name) said, "You should tell him about all the good things about dogs and how you can teach them to do all kinds of tricks."

Not bad. If things really get desperate, I just might take Aidyn's advice.