All you guys who think your puppies are your children and would give up anything in the world for them and would replace your walls, your doors, your carpets, your furniture, your marriage, etc., for them are wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!
But - please remember that it isn't always easy to find "two people" in the same house that feel exactly that way .... I really believe that the people who feel that there is a "reasonable amount of damage and then maybe a little more" that they will allow pets to do to their homes and relationships - are probably the more sensible people among us. So, we really can't fault them too much for being a little "more normal" than some of us are...myself included.
And - even more importantly - we are really talking about a lot of money when we start replacing some things.....carpets, doors, walls, furniture, etc., ........ enough money - that a lot of people, or should we say "most people" can't afford to do it. A lot of pet owners have responsibilities other than just their pets....... children and their needs would be one good example.
I have personally put up with my fair share of damage and expense with my pets --- (quite a bit!) ... much more than any other members of my family would do. But still - there has to be a limit!
I think that there is hope and having to give up our pets isn't always the only solution. I believe that effective training, patience, and allowing our puppies to become a little older, plus our working to create and provide a more correct environment for our little guys can solve most of the problems that we encounter. Addressing these issues is more sensible than having the attitude that "we'll replace everything before we give up our little darlings."
We want our pets to be loveable, enjoyable additions to our families - that's why we get a pet in the first place......I hope! They should be a pleasure and a joy and a headache only now and then.
I just don't want those of you who aren't willing to go into bankruptcy, have your homes ruined, and your families torn apart, think that you are monsters. You aren't! Really, you are "rather normal." I do know that time, patience, and effective training have solved most of the serious problems that I have had with my pets - and hopefully, these same things can work for you too.
Carol Jean |