Think long and hard, kids, about getting a pet as a couple because one of you will be saddled with the responsibility of keeping and caring for that pet, should your coupledom end. If it's one thing I've learned about relationships ending, it's that I end up with the family pets.
Up until last year I was the proud owner [sic] of three guinea pigs who mysteriously died one by one even with the best of care. Rodents, meh. I thought it was a good trade off from getting a dog. Little did I know that the ex was allergic and that I would end up taking care of them from day one and beyond, when things ended. I learned a lot from that experience, since I never had pet rodents before, including that they turn into freakin' cannibals when one dies in the same cage as the others. Ew. In this case the ex got the better end of the deal by leaving them behind since he's a bit squeamish.
Now I have a male cat (Bazinga) who is just as much trouble as his mother (Poppy) was when I had her as a kitten (then Gryner). Again the ex begged for an animal and again I caved and again I ended up being the primary caregiver. Which is fine because I don't really think he would have been a fit father anyway. He's responsibility-phobic. But I have to admit that caring for Baz is less of a chore than that of the guinea pigs or even a dog. Which brings me to the next addition to the animal kingdom I have going on, my daughter's dog, Max.
When my daughter moved in I was all ready to deal with teen issues and even started reading up on healthy father/daughter relationships. Ironic since I think we have one that these books should be based on. But, nowhere in there did they mention taking in a family pet with the deal. So amidst looking for a job and keeping the household presentable, I'm sifting kitty litter and picking up doggie poop in pretty little baggies.
These saddle bags are getting heavy and I know what you are going to say, make my daughter take on some responsibility. We're working on it. Apparently high school is tougher than when I went and the adjustment period is taking some time. It's been a bigger adjustment period for me considering all that has happened. As I type, Baz jumps up on my lap as if he knows he's being talked about and his warm, gentle purring against my belly make it all okay. Loyal Max at my feet looking up every now and then to make sure I'm okay as well. You'll never leave me, will you guys?
No comments:
Post a Comment