I have two broken records in my house. Yes, that is a euphemism for two daughters that are continually asking me for the same thing over and over again- a dog. I get it. When I was about their age I too was a broken record. Over and over again, day after day, I would ask my parents, “Can we get a dog?” And over and over again, I heard the same reply, “NO, we are allergic to dogs.” At four I was not sure what “allergic” meant. (My, have times have changed. To have an allergy is part of the lingo at my daughter’s preschool since everyone has “allergies”. But I digress.)
Since I did not know what they meant, all I heard my parents say was “No!.” “No, we can’t have a dog.” “No, you are not allowed to have a furry, cuddly, unconditionally loving dog living in our house.” Now I am a parent and I am the one saying “No!”
Even my husband is not on my side; he grew up with a dog, Edith, and thinks having a dog teaches responsibility, unconditional love, and kindness to animals. I agree with him wholeheartedly. I think dogs are great. But still the answer is no.
I have my reasons. It turns out I AM allergic. My eyes swell shut, throat itches and I get covered in hives. Sure I have heard there are “hypo-allergenic” dogs. Whatever! I so do not believe it that. But there is a secret (well now not so secret) reason too.
If we get a dog, I know who will be picking up his business, taking him for walks at ungodly hours and schlepping him to the doctor for even the slightest thing - me. I know that even if the dog’s fur and saliva do not cause me to break out every single moment, the responsibility of having a ‘child’ that will never grow up and move out will drive me crazy.
And more, I also know that I will make the dog crazy. Having a dog to call my own! One that I have wanted since I was four! I will smother him with love. I will become that owner that has different leashes for different days, monogrammed collars, serves the dog homemade food and has the vet on my speed dial.
So as long as the question is “to dog or not to dog”, the answer is always going to be no.
Four months after We Plan, God Laughswas published my mother was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM) stage 4 brain cancer. I dedicated this book to my mother for her courage and how she overcame so many challenges in her life. Now she is facing her biggest challenge yet, and she and many others suffering with GBM need your help.
Today June 16, 2009, my mother turns 65 years old and the paperback of We Plan, God Laughs with a new epilogue goes on sale.
In celebration , I am donating 10% of the profits to the Art of the Brain Fundto help in the fight against brain cancer.
I have two broken records in my house. Yes, that is a euphemism for two daughters that are continually asking me for the same thing over and over again- a dog. I get it. When I was about their age I too was a broken record. Over and over again, day after day, I would ask my parents, “Can we get a dog?” And over and over again, I heard the same reply, “NO, we are allergic to dogs.” At four I was not sure what “allergic” meant. (My, have times have changed. To have an allergy is part of the lingo at my daughter’s preschool since everyone has “allergies”. But I digress.)
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