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20 yrs. ago when I got my first "real" job, my parents dropped my dog off to babysit while they went on vacation. While I had grown up with this wonderful dog, I never REALLY appreciated the amount of love, care, and concern that went into being a pet parent until then. When they picked him up, they asked how it went & I said that if having kids was anything like having him, it would be a LONG time 'til I gave them grandkids.
It took 15 years to happen.
Now that I have my own kids and animals, there is NO doubt that the kids come first. I have often told our snippy poodle that if it comes down to a choice between him and the kids - he's gone, even though I love him dearly and he is MY dog. Of course - I wouldn't just throw him out, give him to just anyone - only to someone I know and trust. Our doodle-dog, OHOH, wouldn't hurt a flea and is such a love-bug :).
My sister once told me that having a dog was like having a permanent 3 year old - she is SO right. They are sweet, loving, ornery, obstinate, and never really grow up!
Our cats are wonderful also. They have put the poodle in his place with a few well-placed swipes, but are unfortunately intimidated by the doodle (who only wants to play with them like any other stuffed toy - LOL - I tell them to beat the SH%# out of her, but they're getting old and gouchy).
We're very lucky not to have been affected by this pet food crime. One of my colleagues at work has a dog - her baby - who was diagnosed back in Dec. w/ kidney failure and had been eating the recalled food. I've been collecting many resources for her (thank you DU!!). She has spent well over 5G on taking care of her dog, and from what I can tell, he won't make it.
My heart and prayers go out to all affected by this criminal and negligent action. I truly believe that domestic animals were put on earth to improve humanity.
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