On the subject of animals

I am not a pet kind of person. We had pets when I was growing up - guinea pigs, rabbits, and cats. I even had my own cat, Sabrina. But then I went to college and promptly lost all interest in animals. I have nothing against them -- they are fun to look at and fun to play with. I just didn't want to live with them. So it was fate that I met Josh.

Here's how our first conversation went:
Me: Hi I'm Rachel.
Josh: Hi I'm Josh.
Me: I don't like pets.
Josh: Me neither.
Me: I never, EVER want to have pets . . . especially stinky dogs.
Josh: Me neither.
Me: Want to get married?
Josh: Sure.

For years we lived happy in the knowledge that our house would be animal free. But then we met these guys:
And all they did for YEARS was ask for pets. Thankfully we had perfect responses to their constant badgering. . .
"Why can't we have a dog?" {Because Mom and Sam are allergic to them} Hallelujah!
"Why can't we have a cat?" {Because Dad and Sam are allergic to them} Take that!
"All my friends have animals." {We are not your friends!}

But then came the kicker . . . "I'm not going to ask for anything else for Christmas but a dog." {You've got to be kidding me!}

So Josh and I did what any kind, caring, loving parent would do - we told them we would NEVER get a dog. EVER.

And then we went out and bought this:
Meet Kenai. He's a 11 week old Yorkshire Terrier, which happens to be a hypoallergenic breed of dog. {There goes the allergy argument!} He pees on the carpet occasionally. He cries A.L.L. night long. And the smell of his food makes me want to throw-up every morning. But the kids all love him. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. him. They take him for walks. They make sure he visits the puppy pad every hour. They get him fresh water. They play with him. They fight over who gets to snuggle him when he's tired. Never was there a dog so loved. Never were there kids so happy. And never were there parents so glad they changed their mind.