And then there were four?

I am a dog lover. My introduction to dogs began early. As a child my grandfather kept dogs. One of my fondest childhood memories is riding on the back of Zorba the greyhound. But my mother refused to get a dog because she figured the upkeep would fall into her hands. She was probably right. She sang a different tune when my cousin brought home a Chow Chow puppy from the North Shore Animal League. My mother agreed to keep the dog for the weekend. Immediately smitten, she named her Ling Ling and our household was complete. Ling Ling was a companion and protector for us until she died when I was 28. For 12 years she was a beloved member of our family.

I would like for Mekhi to experience the love of a dog but there are some things to consider. My husband is allergic to dogs. Couple that with a "I will tolerate them if we visit but please not in my home" attitude - it is unlikely that we will have a four legged friend here anytime soon.

Instead of a dog we may go with a fish. When I was single I kept a betta fish named Ali (bettas are fighting fish). She was treated like a queen. Unlike many betta owners I kept her in a tank -many people keep them in a vase or a cup - I wanted her to swim free! She would greet me when I arrived home from work and I would talk to her like a friend. This might seem strange to some but I enjoyed our relationship. On the day she died she waited for me to get home before she took her last dive and slowly floated to the top of the water.

Fish are low maintenance and may be a good option for Mekhi. We will see. In the meanwhile I will keep the tv on animal planet and Mekhi's love of animals will be satiated by watching his favorite shows. Perhaps one day we will add a fourth member to our family and if we do I will be sure to let you know.

This post was written for Parent Bloggers Network as part of a sweepstakes sponsored by Burger King Corp. They have a new line of iDogs available through Nov 2. Perhaps an idog will be the fourth member of our family.


Comments

Maternal Mirth said…
You know, those Beta's seem to be pretty loyal fishies ... you're the 2nd person I have read in a few weeks with a lovable beta :)

http://objustanotherday.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-so-big-fish.html
anymommy said…
We are talking about getting a puppy in the spring. I love dogs, but it makes me cringe. The hair, the training, the accidents. Maybe we'll think about one of those fish!
Erin said…
I love bettas! They are such beautiful fish, and I absolutely love how the males flare and build bubble nests.
I want a dog, too, but my husband wants to wait until our son is older. We do dogsit from time-to-time for my parents' dog, so I do get some dog time!
Unknown said…
I have often thought about a doggy for the kids and then I come to my senses! Maybe when they are in high school?
Theresa Cloyd said…
Thanks for the comment! We have a pug named Hunter, we've had him for 3 years (since he was 5 weeks old) and our daughter loves him. Chances are your hubby is allergic to the dog hair and I know there are some breeds of dog that don't affect the allergic reactions. check out this site. http://www.akc.org/about/faq_allergies.cfm
who knows you might just be able to get that dog after all!
Aracely said…
*edit- and "my" be a good option.

We have an outdoor dog. OUTDOOR! My husband is the dog lover int this home, me... not so much.
T.Allen said…
Well, you already know about our accidental adoption of Lupe. I'm still not a dog person...admittedly an older already trained dog is the way to go if one goes the way of the dog. Puppies are unbelievably cute though...Good luck.
Mozi Esme said…
Animal allergies are the pits. Esme seems to be allergic to cats, so I'm not sure what we're going to do with our kitty in the US when we're back there. Best wishes in your family growth plans!
Ali said…
My husband banished our huskies to the backyard after our youngest son was born. I cried for weeks feeling like I was neglecting my first "babies" but I have to admit now that I love not having dog hair everywhere!
Rachel said…
I love bettas!!! The ones that I had through college lived in a tank too! I was in tears when my very first one died; it was sooo sad!!!

I think fish are excellent pets -- especially for young ones. We have a saltwater fish tank and Ellie LOVES watching the fish, shrimp, and crabs.

Good luck with the idog!!!!

Following In My Shoes -- the baby took over the blog
CaraBee said…
We want to get a dog, too, but I'm the one holding out. My husband sends me links to the ASPCA for doggies that are available and it breaks my heart but with a one year old and another before too long (hopefully), I just don't think it's a good time.

We already have fish, I don't love them. Maybe we should get a Beta. They are so beautiful!
Barbara said…
I'm sure a fish would be a great addition. I have been thinking of getting one for Miss J. since a precious puppy is also out of the question in this house.
I want a dog ,but we've killed fish.I'm afraid we would mess up somehow. Hey have you thought about a hamster.
I am a proud dog mama. Now mind you, I did not grow up with pets. They were considered to be dirty in my culture. I did not want a pet but my oldest always showed a fondness towards dogs. We have had out chihuahua for 6 years and I wished I had let her have a per sooner. We love Milo and I think every child should experience having a pet... Even if it is a fish!
Unknown said…
i would offer up TSD but i wouldn't want to subject mekhi to his temper. so i say go with a fish.
Anonymous said…
We have two dogs, and it is definitely a big responsibility. Work for mom, surely. But they're great pets and they make me feel safe. So I'll keep them. Fish are a good option, though.
KJ said…
We got my son a beta. He loves it but he wants a dog...
Sara said…
I love my betta. His name is Tom Selleck and looks just like him!

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