Wednesday, April 28, 2010

it's raining dogs

Yesterday we visited Uncle Scott and Amy. Uncle Scott BBQ'd yummy turkey burgers and skirt steak for lunch.

The girls were more than excited to take a dip in the pool and hot tub.

But perhaps the biggest highlight -- please don't take offense Uncle Scott and Amy -- was the newest addition to their family: Bella.

Maddie was smitten by this 2 lb. dog (just didn't manage to snap a photo of the two of them).

Even Katie who is often scared of and has been known to yell "Dog off leash!" at people at the beach and park was completely taken by this little dog.

I also found out this weekend that one of Katie's best little friends Lia got a puppy.

Papa and the girls want a dog and yesterday's visit along with this additional information is likely to renew their quest.

I'm the holdout. I love dogs but another mouth to feed and body to keep clean?! I'm having a hard enough time with the task at hand without adding more to the mix!

Do you have a dog? And kids? When did you get your dog? Recommendations?

13 comments:

jen@odbt said...

We have to stand together. My kids are begging for a dog too. I have allergies and agree it's like having another baby. The puppy is pretty cute though. Maybe you can offer to puppy-sit then the girls can get their dog fix then.

Jennifer said...

I say skip the puppy stage, and get your kids a rescue dog. You don't have to deal with potty training.

We have 3 cats, and Sharla takes care of feeding and watering them. Hubs does the litter.

Having a pet that they can actually play with, cuddle, dress up... It provides unmeasurable entertainment, and lots of learning. Go for it.

Joe Romanelli said...

You need a dog. Watch this, it explains it all
http://www.leavingourmark.com/blog/2009/04/06/scoutdog-ben-stein-divinity-dogs/

Jennifer said...

In parenthacks today...

http://www.parenthacks.com/2010/04/pets-as-social-skills-teachers-2.html

ricebabies said...

Awwww, Im not the only one. My son has wanted a dog since he could say the word.

We have plans for a dog...one day...when he have a bigger place. I thinks dogs are the best pet. My husbands just passed away under 4 years ago, he was 16!!! The memories are a treasure for him. he wants the boys to hae the same.

They become family members, have you seen Marley and Me? Get some tissue first if you havent.

Kate said...

i agreed to fish recently...that is more than enough for me. jared would love a dog but i'm with you...for now i have put a ban on anything that walks on land, and requires a leash. heck, i won't even scoop the dead fish out....i like to think i'm standing my ground......

CF said...

I'm dropping off Ramses at your house tonight. That should be enough to make them rethink the dog idea. If not, then enjoy your new Wheaten Terrier.

Tabitha said...

So ironically we just got a puppy this last Sunday... We had a Great Dane for 10 years who past away this last Christmas season. We have always had dogs and it has indeed been easier the last 4 months without one. However, we have all missed having a dog, including Ellawyn who has asked and asked about why Aspen died and can we get a puppy (by which she means a dog or puppy, she calls them all puppies). We were aware that we were looking at many months of being much more home bound than we were before with our dane. And we aren't planning any trips that won't be including the puppy for the this summer. I was very particular in my breed choice for child compatibility and work load on my part but even so it is more work that the adult dane was by quite alot. On the other hand the child are having a great time with her, and that is a help.

So the reason we chose to get a dog was for our companionship and for fun. The reason we chose to get a puppy this time and not rescue a young adult (which we have always done in the past) was to be absolutely certain that the dog would accept our house hold which has two young kids and 2 middle aged cats. I did look for a rescue basset however there weren't any that were matching all of my criteria. I have always wanted to get a puppy and this is the perfect time to have done it, while I am staying home with the kids, before I go back to work. Puppies definitely need someone who doesn't work full time. I am going to write a blog about our new little basset, Buttercup, soon so maybe something in that will be of interest too.

That is our experience, I can't comment on your situation as to whether you should or not. All I will say in that regard is that everyone should be on board when it comes to the addition of a new pet to the family, especially when that pet is a puppy. And most especially the person who is going to be doing most of the care for that animal (i.e. you)should be 100% in favor with no doubts.

Stasia said...

Get a cat. They are cheaper. They don't poop where your kids play. They purr on your lap and warm you up. They kill all the rodents in your yard. And you can leave them with a bowl of food and water for a weekend and it's all good. (coming from a pro cat household, of course)

jozen said...

when i was younger, i asked my dad for a dog... he brought me home some baby chicks instead...

Katie Shinden said...

My kids are clamoring for a dog too. Bruce and I are so hesitant to add more work to our already crazy load. I keep saying..when they're older..plus I know a dog would be especially great for Seth. I feel like I am going to probably give in within the next year or so!

Sandy a la Mode said...

hi becky! i just found your blog through lola's girl and am a new follower!! you girls are ABSOLUTELY adorable!!! i loved looking through your posts and the super cute pictures! that puppy is sooo adorable, my brother has a puppy named bella too and my 15 month nephew gets along with her really nice, it's great!!

Christie said...

We have a dog. She's big, like 90 pounds, and super sweet. Big dog= Big poop. Our next dog won't be so big. She does have a separate yard though so there's no poop in the play areas. I love (usually) having a dog, but it is definitely more hair on the floor inside, but if you are a diligent swifferer it's no problem! I vote pup also if you do it, then you can be sure of the history and how she interacts with your fam. Ojai's shelter always seems to have great pups and spay/neuter is included (that's where we got ours), unless you are planning on breeding too. Ha ha.