Boys and their Dogs

 

                                           MVP and his dog Roxy

I have no doubt this is equally applicable to some girls, it’s just that in my house it’s been boys.

I am not a pet person. My husband is not a pet person. So why do we have two dogs and a snake? And why have we also had, over the years, two cats and a turtle, plus the requisite goldfish? Because although we are not pet people we have boys that are pet people.

I know some parents just flat out refuse to have pets—too much work, mess, time, money, etc. They know they will end up shoulder the responsibility of the animal. To which I say, “ this is true.”

The thing is that even though I am not a pet person I can see that for those who are it is like an animal fills a hole in their soul that cannot be filled any other way. I don’t get it, but I get it—if that makes sense.

I am surely not going to be the person responsible for letting a hole in my child’s soul go unfilled.

My racist, alcoholic, slightly lecherous grandfather was transformed into a kind, gentle, loving man when he had a dog at his side.

My depressive, alcoholic mother found so much happiness from her succession of dogs; I shudder to think what life for her would have been like without them.

When the youngest of my four children was out of diapers we decided to take the plunge from low-maintenance fish and turtles to the dog that was the heart’s desire of my boys—especially my youngest son, three at the time.

I was not so selfless as to go the puppy route—I knew I needed a break from potty-training, so we chose a two-year old rescue beagle, Buddy. A few years later, contemplating the timing of that dog’s eventual demise (the dog is now 14 and my son is 16; a beagle’s life span is 12 to 15 years), we added a beagle puppy, Beaux, to the family. This way when the inevitable and heart-breaking happens, my son will not be dog-less and therefore will be able to seek comfort from the quarter in which he has always found it—his dog.

My older son is a sophomore in college, for the first time living in a house with roommates. Almost his first act once he moved in and got a job was to acquire a dog (from a Marine about to be deployed to Afghanistan). Roxy is a champion hiker and wonderful companion. 

Boys and their dogs. In our house it’s a combo that has brought endless joy, companionship and unconditional love—along with the occasional mess.

Comments

[kcinnova]

I love that MVP adopted a dog in that way.
Moving every few years has put a crimp in our plans to have a dog. A few more years and we will be making our cat think we've lost our marbles. Me, I'm a cat person, but I know I will love a dog when we finally adopt one.

[busy bee suz]

This is beautiful Jenn! I whine all the time about our house full of creatures (not the dogs) because they were wanted by our kids...I know one day, they will be gone...as well as the creatures.
Love that he adopted a dog from a soldier, he is aces in my book.

[Reluctant Blogger]

We have never had a dog but we have always had pets. I think that they make the house feel like home. I am in the house a lot during the day on my own and it makes a big difference to have the cat here to chatter on to. She never answers back, she always looks as if she values what I say. I just wish she wouldn't jump on my keyboard in those few seconds before I save a document!

[Maureen@IslandRoar]

Aw, too funny; today I posted the piece about not being crazy about my dog. But I love this about your son. And I do think having pets makes everyone better people. Just not MY dog.

[gary]

Your son is a good man and that looks like a great dog, and you KNOW that me and my beagle wuv your beagles :)

[Smalltown Mom]

Nice post, Jenn.

My boys adore our cat. They are always picking her up and snuggling.

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

So timely--as we continue the dog wars at my house. I realize the joy a pet can bring...but I am SO apprehensive about the work.

[CC]

My husband and I are not pet people either. But we sure wish we had one to clean up our floor messes after each meal!

[jenrantsraves]

I used to love dogs, and I wanted a puppy really bad. Then I puppy sat for a friend who went on vacation for a week. Totally cured me of that desire. That week is legendary in my family. I'm actually hoping my son will want a cat. Maybe.

[Jennifer H]

All of this is why we'll be getting another dog soon. Lovely, Jenn.

[Little Miss Sunshine State]

Hooray for MVP adopting that dog.

We're a cat family. I've had a cat almost continuously since 1979.
My daughter and her roommates adopted a kitten and named it after the University mascot. They are having so much fun with him.

[Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING]

Okay. Okay. Now I am feeling bad. Still not ready here, though. gavin wants a DOG SO BADLY!

Just not ready.

Not ready.
Not ready.

KEEP BELIEVING

[Manic Mommy]

After Maddie died, I looked at adopting a rescue - so many of them are "only pet" or "household without children" pets that it just wasn't an option.

Good for MVP (bad for you; when he comes home will Roxie be joining him?).

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

When he drives home for the summer she will--his roommates will keep her at the Christmas break.

Jenn

[Susan]

Good for you!

My brother and I grew up without pets...well, we had a hamster once..and a parakeet...not exactly what we considered pets. It was a big whole in both of our hearts.