Reply to If my entire family wants a dog but I don't, it won't work, right?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My older child has been asking for a dog for about 2 years but has done nothing to prove he can handle the responsibility like take care of his room and the play/school room.

I last owned a dog 30 years ago and I liked it but had cats since. I don't want dog fur, dog smell, dog walk/poo responsibilities. I like going barefoot in my backyard. I don't like dog licks or breath...so I shouldn't get a dog even though my kids want one, right?

Please be nice. I would love to want a dog and make my kids happy but I just can't find a way to want one. And yes, I like dogs; other peoples'.

Is there a way around this issue? Therapy? Could 3 in the family make up for one not participating in dog ownership? When we had cats, my husband did not participate in cat ownership responsibilities and I was fine with that. [/quote]

I was you.  DH and 9-year-old DD desperately wanted a dog and promised they would be the primary caregivers, as I already feel like I have too much on my plate.  We got a puppy.  DD pretty much immediatley realized it was more fun playing on the Ipad than the constant attention a dog requires.  DH realized he couldn't both get up at 1am to walk the dog and 6am to feed her, meaning I had to do one or the other.  The dog is older, and it's gotten much easier (dog sleeps more, can go for longer walks, isn't biting anymore) but it's still much more work for me than I'd like.  The cat analogy doesn't apply as they are much less work overall.

I'd say -- picture the scenario above and your reaction.  I gave in and was still a bit resentful for months as I felt overburdened.  If you think you'll be that way but forever (every time you have to pick up poop, get licked, etc) I'd say no dog.  Get a kitten/goldfish or foster dogs instead.
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