You're a strange animal, that's what I know
Oh, dear. I’m really dating myself with that song quote. (And bonus points if you a) remember the song and b) can name the artist. *grin*).
Things around my house (er, the Rauch Motel, as I like to call it *wink*) have gotten very animal-focused lately. I’ve never been much of an animal person. I’m highly allergic to cats, and we just didn’t have a dog when I was growing up. So, my exposure was pretty limited.
When I first moved in to my house, I thought about getting a dog, but I was commuting, and out for long hours every day, and I didn’t think it was fair.
And then, I was lying in bed one night and a bat flew into my room. Freaked me right the heck out.
I thought I’d locked it in a room with an open window and it had flown out, but in fact it actually hid in my house for three days before it surfaced again…in the middle of the night. Frantic phone calls didn’t turn up anyone willing to drive all the way to my house at 2 a.m. to help me get rid of it. I ended up calling an exterminator who, upon hearing my frantic plea, offered to come and remove mr. bat without charing me their exorbitant middle of the night fee. I think he thought he might have gotten lucky. Instead he got me. heh.
But my house has been animal free ever since… until a few weeks ago, I had to leave at a disgustingly early hour (I’m a night owl. 6 a.m. just doesn’t exist in my world) and I stumbled down to the front door, half asleep, kicked a few pairs of shoes out of the way until I found the ones I was looking for and as I’m stepping into one of them, a mouse appears from behind me, runs across my foot and ambles across the hallway… I started screaming. A lot. I scared the absolute crap out of T, who *was* sleeping. He comes running downstairs, thinking someone was trying to kill me or something, and when he found out what happened, laughed like a fool. And hasn’t stopped.
What he has started is a campaign for a dog. He’s already picked one out at the pet store across the street.
I’m not sure. In theory, it’s probably not a bad thing. I mean, companionship, something to love, something to keep away mice who like high-heeled platform shoes, and squirrels with a Nanaimo bar addiction. (oh, yes, that’s another story… this past weekend I had family over for dinner and my mom brought desserts. We had extra Nanaimo bars that wouldn’t fit in the fridge, so we thought we’d cover them up and put them on the balcony. Hey, it’s -1 out, it’s not like they wouldn’t be kept cold. But, Spanky (*sigh* yes, T has named the squirrels who hang out on my balcony) decided he wanted to get inside. He got inside the freezer wrap and managed to eat a good chunk of one before we caught him. We re-wrapped the tray up in a couple of bags and put it back outside. (you’d think we’d learn…) Well, Spanky was almost all the way through all those bags before we dug up a plastic container that would fit the tray. When *that* finally came inside, Spanky had tried to nibble through both handles. )
But despite all that, I’m still resistant to getting a dog. First, I like being able to be on my way home and randomly detour for a couple of hours on a whim. Or getting up one morning and deciding to drive across the border. And if we’ve got a dog waiting at home, that’s gonna mean an unhappy dog. Or, er, a relieved dog, but an unhappy carpet.
And second, I’m not used to having an animal in the house. I’m a control freak. And dogs, not really an animal you can use logic on… or reason with.
But on the other hand… there’s the unconditional love and the licks and the snuggles and the company when I’m home alone. Not to mention a built-in get me away from the computer and take a darn break already.
I dunno… so I’m open to suggestions. Do you have pets? Should we get a dog? Why or why not?
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Dude.
Strange Animal? Gowan – or as I like to call him… Larry.
=)
I have a cat, who thinks he’s a dog, or a rug <- but only if the fire’s going.
I love both though. We had dogs growing up and I miss having one now. They’re a lot of work though, but so worth it.
I don’t have an opinion either way on whether or not you should get one. But if you do get one, make sure you research the breed to find out if it has genetic health problems and if it will be suitable for your lifestyle. Truly, not all dog breeds are created the same and just because they’re cute doesn’t mean they’ll be a good pet for you.
And as long as I’m on my soapbox, for the love of all things holy, don’t buy a dog from the pet store. Find a rescue (there are rescues for every specific breed of dog) or a shelter and give one of those dogs a loving home.
@Deb – Woohoo! I’m not the only one who remembers him. I must have listened to that album – and it *was* a record album – a million times in grade 8.
@Angie – Yep, I agree… it just doesn’t sit right with me to pay upwards of $500 – $1000 for a dog at the pet store when there are shelters and humane societies all over the place (and don’t get me started on the classifieds… those breeders want more than the pet stores! whatever happened to oops, the dog next door knocked up our dog and we have all these puppies to give to a good family?)
And yes, a small dog, not looking to run around a lot, good for a small apartment is what we’re looking for. I hadn’t thought about genetic health issues, tho pet insurance did cross my mind just in case there were problems…
I had the tape AND I hung out after a show at Ontario Place just to meet him.
Actually, my friend Kim was obsessed – I just wanted to know how to get the blue streak in my hair.
That’s a tough question. We don’t have a dog. We have 4 hermit crabs. **cough cough** But I did grow up with a dog, who was really a part of the family.
Oh, and remember if you go on vacation, you need to either put it in a shelter (you have to be picky about those) or have someone watch the dog for you. Because this is your new baby you’re talking about here.
I had a deep abiding love for Gowan and his poofy mullet. In fact, oddly enough, I had “A Criminal Mind” stuck in my head about two days ago.
Okay I’m totally giggling over the mouse thing now! LOL.
Consider the level of responsibility.
Having a cat is like having a roommate. Having a dog is like having a baby.
I say keep the mouse and put him in a little cage with a wheel. I bet he is cute.
And I agree, shelter, or breeder, but not pet store.
Bite your tongue, Jeff! T would totally do that, and then I’d be freaking out all over the place. *grin*
(and, uh, the like having a baby part? yeah, there’s a reason I made it to the age that we are without doing that.
)
And Gowan is performing at the MIX’s Holiday party… who wants in?