Daughters and puppies

A few days ago the phone rang and when I picked it up I heard the sweet tones of my youngest child, Bethany, who was in New Mexico visiting the Grandparents and Aunt Cheryl. On this particular day she asked me how I was doing, if we won our softball game and if I am enjoying my new job. Since she is a fifteen-years-old and has never asked me ONE of these questions before I become suspicious.

Soon the other shoe did hit the floor (or should I say paw). First, she begins telling me about these little dogs that are cute and white and fluffy AND hypoallergenic (yep, somehow this was supposed to be an important touch). She further begins telling me the true value of these amazing creatures is at least two thousand dollars. Of course with her next breath she somehow has the courage to ask if she can have one. The first thing that pops into my mind is NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! The first thing out of my mouth is, "sweetheart, we already have three dogs and do not need another. Also, I do not have any two thousands of dollars to spend on a hypoallerenic car much less dog."

She patiently reponds that this is NOT the price SHE would be charged and further she would be more than willing to pay for the dog herself." Amazing how little the value of money affects her life...I blame her mother. After I explained to her that even if they knocked off a huge amount of money she still would have to somehow pay it with 10 dollars a week??? In any case we, thankfully, do not have a fourth dog but it is amazing how determined a child can be when she sees something she wants, or at least how little reality matters when staring into some little puppies face as it tries to lick your nose.