I think I am on board here (sometimes it gets cloudy?) As a child I had a dog, was responsible for it, feeding, playing, cleaning. My mother took him to the vet and made sure he was cared for when I became preoccupied for a short time.
When I got MY Yorkies, I made each boy, 14 and 17, guardian of one dog. They don't fight over them, they can take theirs into their room, but I am the caregiver, they don't stay away from me for long. They have had pets in the past and do not take proper care of them IMO. When my 17 is ready to move out, it will be clear to him that he is not to have a pet of any sort until he becomes responsible enough to have one, which at this time-he is not. He also does not drive.
I would give/sell a puppy to a child only if I think the parent is responsible 100% to make sure the child is caring for the dog, and the dog is wanted in the household. |