Thursday, May 12, 2005

Three Month Declaration

I come from a cat family. Since I was born, my family has owned at least one cat. You can imagine the surprise then last night when I told my family that I wanted a dog. Now I understand that I am a point in my life in which having a dog is not a good idea. I'm about to rent a apartment, and living in a small space, alone for most of the day is no life for a dog. I'm not ready for a 20-year commitment either. I'm not going to get a dog but I still want one.

When I considered getting a tattoo a few years, my mom told me to wait three months. If I still had the same passion for a tattoo in three months that I did three months before, then maybe it was something I really wanted rather than a passing desire. Three months later, I was happy that I had no tattoo.

I think I'm going to try this same technique for a new dog. If I still want a puppy in three months, then maybe it's something I really do want. Today is Day One.

Based on what happened last night, I don't think this will be the case. My cat Cayla (aka Kato Kaelin, aka Hildalgo) was curled in my bed by my knees. Around 7:00 am, she starts heaving and hacking. I wake up as she vomits on my feet. I clean up the solid pieces but the foot of bed is soaked. I take off my sheets and blankets and try to go back to sleep on the mattress.

I can't sleep now, so here I am at 8:00 am on my first day of summer. I took my last final for school yesterday. I should be sleeping in and yet, I'm cleaning cat-vomit. Do I really want a dog?

11 Comments:

At 10:09 AM, Blogger Holly said...

I really like that philosophy about waiting 3 months. I need to try that. hee hee. Anyway, I just had to laugh at the cat vomit aspect. You may have heard this, but my cat, not too long ago, got locked in my bedroom away from his litter box and pee'd on me in bed. Also, when I first got my puppy in the fall, she peed on my head in the first week. Do you still want a dog though? Yes, you do.

 
At 11:29 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

We might be able to work out the communal dog.
Linda

 
At 2:19 PM, Blogger Jennifer said...

My dog threw up right next to my face one night. It was gross, but I still love her. :)

 
At 5:58 PM, Blogger Lindsey said...

It's funny that I'm reading your blog as I'm overwhelmed by barking. I was just thinking, "Why did my next door neighbors get a dog? They work all day. They are out of town, causing me and others to take care of the dogs, that we don't love as our own." After housesitting for several people, my love for dogs have changed. I wasn't ever the person in charge of the dog. When I'm the person that has to take care of it, my schedule is changed. There's nothing lamer than being out with people, and dismissing yourself from the occasion to let the dog out. Also it's a pain living in an apartment, because you can't just let it out, you have to get the leash, and go out yourself. There's my opinion. I absolutely love dogs, when my life isn't scheduled around them. Good luck with the decision, I'm sure you will make the choice that best fits you. Also, I would have to agree with David's timeshare idea, if it's a nice dog, I'll put in a share.

 
At 9:49 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

***Parental Guidance Suggested***

I'm pretty much against this idea of getting a dog because as the "possible" man of the house in your future, I will have to be the one that will have to "send" the dog into the afterlife when it gets sick or too old. I love animals too much! I cannot handle the thought of having to do this. I get too attached. That is the real reason I don't want a dog or cat, because I don't want the responsiblity of doing the final "duty".

I love short term animals. Something I cannot get attached to. Try working with me on the hamster or fish idea. They will both bring about great joy, and putting a hamster up to an exaust pipe before I get too attached will not bother me since the average lifespan of them is about 3 months. Definitely not long enough to get attached.

This reply might be a little scary, but seriously, I have my fears. And now you know.

 
At 1:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Owning a dog requires a special frame of mind. You must be as devoted to the dog as the dog is to you. The dog will love you when it seems no one else in the world does. But you cannot take the dog for granted. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. And (for the record) they are vastly more intelligent than cats.

You also have to remember that they are not people -- they are dogs. They do not have hopes and aspirations. They do not dream of retirement. They only know one day at a time. They will cherish the time they have with you, and you must cherish that time, too.

But, by being the master of a dog, you also take on the duty to make hard decisions sometimes. No animal lives forever. Find a compassionate vet who will help you make the tough decisions when that time comes.

When you find yourself in a long-term dog-friendly situation, you will know that it's time to pick your pet. Just pick one with kind eyes and a quick smile.

Advice from
The Dog Mutterer

 
At 11:27 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Dave - The communal dog idea might work, if we're lucky. The first six years would be good but whoever gets him next would have a harder time I think. I have no plans nor desire to get a tattoo anymore.

Holly and Jennifer, Hi! I wonder how many people have had their pets throw up/go to the bathroom on them?

Lindsey - Having to interrupt my schedule to let the dog out is definately a big negative!!

Josh - I hope anyone associated with PETA never reads this blog.

Dog Mutterer - Thanks for the advice! You sound just like Cesar Millan.

I have three months to think about it!

 
At 11:55 PM, Blogger gayle said...

I have two really young Boston Terrier dogs. One is a year and half old (Monty), the other is 10 months old (Daphne). Boston Terriers are notorious for having stomach and digestive issues when they are young. I have been thrown up on at least once a week since I got Monty. Actually, the average is probably higher than that, because of the frequency in the beginning. But I still love them to pieces, and decided to buy a Bissell. :)

 
At 3:02 PM, Blogger Trey Laminack said...

On dogs: Dogs are where its at.

On Tattoos: If you get a tattoo don't just be another belly button pierced wanna-be. Don't get some looser and get some flower or butterfly on your ankle. Also, nothing on the small of the back or the hip unless you are a beat poet from 30 years ago.
If you get ink do it right. Large and black!

 
At 1:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

less then 1 month to go.
andrew wants a puppy to play with

 
At 12:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

well, 3 months now and no doggie :(

 

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