To Pet or Not To Pet?
It's not always an easy decision to make. Deciding whether or not to introduce a pet into your life is a bit committment.
So your adorable child has come home from school with that long face. "What's wrong Billy?" you ask. And you get the dreaded answer. "Jimmy just got a dog for his birthday and it's so cute and furry and cuddly. Why are you guys so mean? Can we get a dog too." Never mind all of the reasons that you can think of NOT to get a dog. When faced with that long face and those pleading eyes, it's so hard to turn them down.
So, let's examine some of the pros and cons of getting an animal. While you might think it's a great decision at the moment, and it will get your son off of your back, you are really making a long term decision. You need to understand this and think about the various issues. So, what are the various issues.
Money - This animal is going to need doctor's visits and vitamins. He needs a little home and one of those cute pillows to lounge about. He needs food and a chain. And he probably needs discipline lessons as well.
Time - You need to love this dog! Do you have time to walk him three times a day? To play with him and make sure he is growing up well? Do you have someone who can watch him when you take a vacation?
Allergies - If someone in the house has allergies, dogs are, sorry to say, one of the worst things that you can do. It is really important to think about your health first when it comes to allergies.
Visitors - Will people be scared away from coming to your house since you've just introduced an animal into your lives? Will your parents want to see your kids there? Will your kids friends shriek when they come to the house?
I love animals and I don't mean to scare you away from getting one. But, these are some of the very important things to consider before giving into those pleading eyes and answering "yes." Think about it - this is a live animal and this is your life you're talking about.
