When my youngest turned five I knew it was time to get a pet but with 5 kids and the responsibilities that go with them I was not looking forward to adding to my list with a dog. So I researched and found a site where I could put in exactly what I needed — a smart, obedient, playful, patient dog. One that wouldn’t run away every time a child forgot to close the gate! Then I prayed for the best dog ever and we got her–our Gidget–girl midget–Miniature Australian Shepherd.
When Gidget died we were all with her. She was so sweet she waited for my girls to get home from college. Everyone of us was painfully aware of her absence. My sons were in high school and couldn’t get used to the emptiness. My daughters in college were reminded every time they came home and she wasn’t there to greet them.
It didn’t take long for them to start talking about another dog. My husband was adamant–no dog. He knew we were on the road to being empty nesters. He saw no benefit in having a dog to board every time we wanted to visit kids and travel.
My girls looked online for Miniature Australian Shepherds. Their plan was to surprise me with a puppy for my birthday. They had a theory that daddy wouldn’t be able to resist a puppy once it was a done deal.
My son and I went to the Humane Society. We couldn’t help it. We noticed every time we went that the puppy we had loved the visit before was gone–adopted. Then we saw Katie. My son looked at me and said, “she won’t be here tomorrow.” I knew he was right. He pulled out his wallet and said, “I am going to buy her and I am going to take care of her. She will be my dog.” I was so happy.
It was dark and Mark was already home when we pulled in the drive. We plotted to sneak her into the backyard in the hopes that she would go to the bathroom before we presented her to him. It wouldn’t go well if this first meeting was punctuated by poop on the floor. We got her in the yard but she was overcome by the dark space and yelped. Mark heard. He opened the back door, took one look at the dog, one look at me, turned abruptly around and when back into the house.
We followed with trepidation. He didn’t say a word for two whole hours! Then we got a lecture and we apologized for our impulsiveness. Twenty minutes later my sweet, sappy husband was down on all fours trying to coax Katie to come to “grandpa” (just as the girls had predicted). He decided since it was our son’s dog he was the grandfather and grandfathers have all the fun and none of the responsibility!
My girls carried out their plan one month later with a puppy for my birthday. This is Ella, a really mini Miniature Australian Shepherd with a really big personality!
Having “the babies” as we call them has been a blast and a blessing. Oh, they are rascals to be sure. And they have made their weight in messes. But my son and I have had so many rich conversations as we walk them every night. Conversations and time that a mother and her 18 year old son rarely get together. My other kids call all the time demanding to know what the babies are doing. We face time just so they can see the dogs. And when they come home they are so happy to be greeted by puppies crazy with love for them.
Pets can bring your family together in a sweet and special way.
You may be on the fence about getting a pet. If so here are two articles to read and think about that may help you decide. The printables are free and might help you feel comfortable with your children’s responsibility in caring for a pet.
5 Things to Think About Before You Get a Pet
10 Sites to Help You Choose the Right Pet
