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skingstone · 01-26-2006, 08:46 AM

OK...Just to add my two cents, I thought i would share the comments i got from my mother when we were considering getting our first dog! HEre goes:

I am really concerned about your decision to purchase a dog – If you don’t think you should consider your USA family than perhaps a dog is the way to go ––

Some thoughts for consideration: Think about you and the family trying to come and visit us? I can’t have a dog in this Condo with all the Allergies! (I think you are crazy to consider it for yourself) You will have to get a dog sitter? That would put a layer of difficulty for you to come to see us – We see each other so seldom already – Dad and I are getting older – sure we will be able to come – But the trip is so long. We like to come for more than a few days which makes it hard for us to come often until I retire –- and then it is still “far – far away”

Jeff is your brother – and you will eliminate any possibility of him ever coming to visit you – and if I was him and you decided to buy a dog knowing that he will never be able to visit – I personally would be so hurt! He may not show it but I know he would be! It may be worked around if you live here – but you don’t!

This is not meant for guilt – it is meant to give you my feelings and how it would affect us if you go ahead and buy a dog – Knowing the family history, I personally would feel like your US family was so very low on your priority list of considerations!

Very concerned Mom!

*******
now context--- We live 9 hours away and my brother visits us 2 days a year. Needless to say, we got the dog! We plan on boarding him at the breeder or leaving him with my sister in law. We told her that, but then still got this response:

I am saddened by your decision to purchase a dog – Jeff would never tell you how he really feels – Of course he is also saddened to think he can’t come to your house any longer – but he would never let you know because he doesn’t want it to be him standing in the way. Yes he can stay at a hotel but He may not even be able come over to hang out in your house– So we would have to hang out at the hotel.

I understand that a dog may be important to your family – but you live 9 hours away – and it does complicate any future visits = here or there!

I pray I am wrong and it will not change or damage the relationship between you and your US Family –

Sad Mom

***************
My response back over the phone and again in email:

We are sorry that you’re saddened by our decision to get a dog. We are not doing this to try to distance ourselves further away from you guys. We love you all very much and we cherish and look forward to all the great times that we can and will spend together.

Having a dog (by the way, his name is snickers and he is a very cute 6 week old yorkie) will certainly create some changes. Sure, when we come visit you, we will have to board him or have Debbie’s kids take care of him. Pet owners do that all the time. And when Jeff visits 3 or 4 nights a year, they can stay at a nearby hotel. In our opinion, our family having a dog should not impact quality family time. Everything will be ok.

By the way, Snickers will be joining our family in early January. Ben is very excited and has really taken a keen interest in all that is involved in taking care of a new puppy. He can’t wait to share in all his new experiences with his grand parents both in Canada and the USA.

Don’t be Sad!
We love you!

01-26-2006, 08:46 AM	#22
skingstone Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 210	OK...Just to add my two cents, I thought i would share the comments i got from my mother when we were considering getting our first dog! HEre goes: I am really concerned about your decision to purchase a dog – If you don’t think you should consider your USA family than perhaps a dog is the way to go –– Some thoughts for consideration: Think about you and the family trying to come and visit us? I can’t have a dog in this Condo with all the Allergies! (I think you are crazy to consider it for yourself) You will have to get a dog sitter? That would put a layer of difficulty for you to come to see us – We see each other so seldom already – Dad and I are getting older – sure we will be able to come – But the trip is so long. We like to come for more than a few days which makes it hard for us to come often until I retire –- and then it is still “far – far away” Jeff is your brother – and you will eliminate any possibility of him ever coming to visit you – and if I was him and you decided to buy a dog knowing that he will never be able to visit – I personally would be so hurt! He may not show it but I know he would be! It may be worked around if you live here – but you don’t! This is not meant for guilt – it is meant to give you my feelings and how it would affect us if you go ahead and buy a dog – Knowing the family history, I personally would feel like your US family was so very low on your priority list of considerations! Very concerned Mom! ***** now context--- We live 9 hours away and my brother visits us 2 days a year. Needless to say, we got the dog! We plan on boarding him at the breeder or leaving him with my sister in law. We told her that, but then still got this response: I am saddened by your decision to purchase a dog – Jeff would never tell you how he really feels – Of course he is also saddened to think he can’t come to your house any longer – but he would never let you know because he doesn’t want it to be him standing in the way. Yes he can stay at a hotel but He may not even be able come over to hang out in your house– So we would have to hang out at the hotel. I understand that a dog may be important to your family – but you live 9 hours away – and it does complicate any future visits = here or there! I pray I am wrong and it will not change or damage the relationship between you and your US Family – Sad Mom ************* My response back over the phone and again in email: We are sorry that you’re saddened by our decision to get a dog. We are not doing this to try to distance ourselves further away from you guys. We love you all very much and we cherish and look forward to all the great times that we can and will spend together. Having a dog (by the way, his name is snickers and he is a very cute 6 week old yorkie) will certainly create some changes. Sure, when we come visit you, we will have to board him or have Debbie’s kids take care of him. Pet owners do that all the time. And when Jeff visits 3 or 4 nights a year, they can stay at a nearby hotel. In our opinion, our family having a dog should not impact quality family time. Everything will be ok. By the way, Snickers will be joining our family in early January. Ben is very excited and has really taken a keen interest in all that is involved in taking care of a new puppy. He can’t wait to share in all his new experiences with his grand parents both in Canada and the USA. Don’t be Sad! We love you!