Hey Dads!
Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, what’s on your fall agenda? Maybe you’re getting some new pets for the winter? Since we didn’t have enough to do around here with our piglets, calves, hens and ducks we thought it would be a good time to get a puppy. I thought this day would come.
My kids allege that I once told them that when we lived out in the country we could get a dog. We’ve lived in the country for a dogs age now so I guess it’s about time. When we got our new batch of hens and ducks I was concerned that the local coyote population would help themselves to the new menu. But it’s been six months and we haven’t lost one! I didn’t want to gamble too long before we brought in some protection for the hens.
Two weeks ago we were strolling around the local farmers market in the parking lot of the local mall. When we were done at the market we had to pick up a few things…right beside the pet store. If you’re a parent without pets you know it’s a bad idea to take your kids into a pet store. There’s a high probability your kids will look up at you with puppy eyes attempting to convince you, “Oh, daddy! We need a cute little kitten! Look at this puppy! He’s so small! Can we get him?” And then the lies begin, “I PROMISE I will take care of him!”
Disregarding all good sense based on past pet store proceedings, I took five of my kids into the pet store. Sure enough, the local humane society had a half dozen puppies happily playing right by the front door. I started a conversation with the humane society lady and she filled me in on the details of dog adoption. Under different circumstances she would have been barking up the wrong tree but that day she convinced me. I made no commitments to dog adoption without talking to my wife (That decision 100% would have landed me in the dog house). But when we met her back at the van I suggested she go take a look at the puppies. Especially the brownish german-shepherdy one. The humane society wasn’t sure of the exact breed of the little guys.
Alas, she went to look and was in the store much longer than I had expected. She came out, nine kids harassed us about a puppy for the whole ride home, and a week later we came home with the little guy. He’s not much of a guard dog yet but every dog has its day. So far we’ve had some shoes eaten, two gloves destroyed and one internet cable chewed right through. Ah, the joys of pet ownership. But our hens haven’t been eaten by predators so it’s a win! Time flies! Make every moment count! Even the pet store moments.
Jason Weening has ten kids, one patient wife and 23 animals. Get his new adventure book for kids, Danger in the Jungle, at HEYDADS.ca.
