Very good thread! Made me think. Many of the things others have mentioned, I don't really care for...the worry, the bills, the accidents, the demands when I want to do/am doing something else. But for me, my dogs are my lifestyle. I don't plan vacations that don't include the dogs, I don't plan outings that don't include the dogs...in fact there is very few times I ever have to leave them, and because my father is retired and lives with me, there is almost always someone home with them. I grew up with small dogs (had 2 chi's) and the only time I didn't have a pet was the 4-6 years of university...and in many ways was the worst time of my life. As a young working adult, I couldn't properly care for a dog, so I got a cat...which I loved, but it wasn't the same...I can honestly say that I will not under any circumstances live my life without a dog in it for as long as I can physically/financially manage the care...and I will go without a lot in order to have a dog...I wouldn't trade a single thing for them...sickness, demands, vet bills, inconveniences, and worry aside...they are beyond worth everything I have to give up in order to have them in my life. |