He wants a puppy.

Yesterday I worked with a doctor who asked me about getting a dog for his little boy. He knew that I have two dogs because I talk about my homelife. He was hesitant because of the responsibility this new member would cause. Their lifestyle affords nice, frequent trips that would not be the place to take a pooch. When he asked me my mind immediateley traveled back in time to my childhood. Being the youngest of four children and my dad a preacher we did not have a lifestyle of trips or vacations. The only trip I remember was going to see my brother in Texas for three days. The puppy issue brought back memories of my Sparkle and her sweet face. She was a rat terrier would gave us many small joys through the birth of pups. I can still feel the touch of those warm soft bodies in the night as I would reach deep into her house to count how many. Cherished time spent with alive, loving creatures that taught me so much about life and love. We were talking about the committment such a creature would demand and I explained that we parents cannot teach the love that a pup will show for his young son. We can buy them toys and provide great educational stimulation but a puppy has eyes, puppy breath, and a tail to wag for joy. A child needs somthing that needs him. We all desire to be accepted and loved. The relationship between a dog and a child is so maturing that my heart still remembers how special my Sparkle was. She opened my heart and taught me about unconditional love. She was always there for me. I could see in her eyes the excitement and joy when I came home from school. I would rub and twist her ears between my fingers to go to sleep at night. She chased monsters from my sleep and comforted me with her warmth. I felt taller, stronger riding my bike around the block because she would not leave my side. I don't have memories of lavish cruises around the world but I do carry with me the love that I felt for a little white dog with black pointed ears who taught me about life. Buy the little boy a dog.