About Rebecca Eckler
Since becoming pregnant with her daughter Rowan, Canadian journalist and author Rebecca Eckler has penned three hilarious books, including the best-selling Knocked Up. Catch Rebecca’s weekly unique perspective on motherhood and single parenthood.
To get a dog, or not to get a dog? That is the question.
My darling daughter Rowan, whose birthday is in October, has started asking for a dog. I think this is a rite of passage for kids turning seven.
So, yes, I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, not just because of what a kick-ass present that would be, but because I also really like dogs. I’m also NOT thinking about getting a dog, because while I know that dogs are easier to raise than children, they still need to be raised and are a lot of work.
Reasons to get a dog:
1. I like dogs.
2. I like to walk and it would be nice to have company.
3. I get to name another living creature. (How fun is it to come up with names?)
4. Dogs adore owners, and I like to be adored.
5. My daughter would be thrilled.
6. Dogs offer protection. (OK, I’d probably get a small dog, but still.)
Reasons NOT to get a dog:
1. I wear a lot of black. Do I want to walk around with dog hair on me? Do I want to have dog hair on my floors, couches and bed?
2. I like to walk and it would be nice to have company, but I don’t like to walk in the winter. Hmmm.
3. I get to name another living creature, but I’ll also have to take care of another living creature.
4. Sometimes I forget to feed myself. Would I remember to feed my dog?
5. I still sleep with my daughter (no judgment). Will I sleep with a child AND a dog in my bed and get my much needed eight hours of sleep?
6. I like to travel a lot. Do I need the guilt of leaving my dog behind with someone else when I go away?
7. The S**T. (Need I say more?) I already toilet trained one human.
Then there are the questions of where to get this maybe-dog. I always lean to saving dogs and getting them from a shelter, but I also like dogs from breeders. And, let’s be honest, is my seven-year-old really going to take care of this dog? Sure. Sometimes. I’m sure she’ll put food in this maybe-dog’s bowl. But I’m sure I’ll be the one walking her and letting her out and picking up the s**t.
Tell me, for those who've been in my position, when your child asked for a dog for the first time, what did you do? I’m leaning towards getting the dog. Does anyone know any pooper-scoopers? And also, what is the best breed of dogs for children? Dog lovers? Speak up!
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