One of the kids’ long term campaigns has been to get a pet. This has mostly focused on a dog with various techniques tested: listing out the pros and cons, cajoling, nagging, and even bribery attempts (we’ll be awesome forever type things).
One of my jobs growing up on a farm was to run, feed and water our 3-5 working dogs. That was a promotion after feeding the hens for quite a few years.
So while I know the joy, I also know the responsibility of a dog and it’s been a consistent no.
However, the other morning, my daughter wandered in with a new proposal.
A ferret.
She didn’t quite have a PowerPoint presentation, but she’d definitely done some research and had her talking points prepared.
They’re affectionate and playful and a friend could look after them while we’re away.
They also live for 6-10 years, you need two, they sometimes need specialist vet care and they’re also a pest… in New Zealand anyway.
I have to admit we might have fobbed the question off through the classic combination of ‘we’ll think about it’ and distraction (she’s 13 but it still seems to work…).
The most interesting thing was the conversation with my husband afterwards.
Perhaps a cat wouldn’t be so bad after all…
Currently, we’re thinking about it…
Tough Mother 