When I was a child, my mother promised she would give me a puppy for Christmas if I prepared in advance. I had to study all about puppy care, do the research on the best food to feed it, arrange a schedule that included daily walks and play time with my dog and I had to have a savings account with money earned from chores to provide veterinary care when needed. She also informed me that if I didn’t carry out all the duties necessary to care for my dog, that she would give it away.
My mom was a smart lady! I never took dog ownership for granted. In fact, I wouldn’t even let anyone else in the family feed, water or walk Rufus. He was a mongrel puppy, but in my eyes he was a champion of intelligence and beauty. My mother came to love him as much as I did, and I know she would never have the heart to give him away even if I had failed in my care. But her stern rules set down at the beginning made me feel like an adult, especially when I was able to fulfill them all!
Posted by: joan
Categories:
Dog Care