A Trial and Error Holiday
My husband and I decided to get out daughters the ultimate Christmas gift this year. At least we tried. But, you know what they say about the best laid plans…
A few weeks ago we surprised our girls with the one gift they both really wanted; a dog. We adopted this little guy from the pound and boy was he cute. And although spunky, his size and demeanor seemed like a perfect fit. We spent our first night together nesting, filling the house with holiday cheer, hanging lights and ornaments, cozy jammies and coco. A perfect little family with the perfect little dog. My husband and I were elated as were the girls.
The next morning, still getting to know each other we sat around together (still in our jammies) finishing up the tree. Christmas wishes already fulfilled, the rest of the holiday would certainly just be icing on the cake.
Until the dog had a lapse of bad judgment and probably confusion and lunged head long at my 5-year-olds face. I was sitting right next to her and it was 100% unprovoked. Thank goodness there was no blood. Just tears and fear. From that minute on our cute little dog challenged both girls (and a few house guests) on a number of occasions within the nest few days. Yes, a dog is a dog and a pound dog can be a risk, we know. Especially when it comes to children. I understand what was going on.
I know the dog was asserting himself and trying to find his place in his new home; his pack. Submissive? Alpha Male? It was a boundary testing thing for him. I also understand now that my passive, gentle girls are not the type of kids to put a dog in his place. So, as it is with anything that threatens our children, we just couldn’t risk a potential incident. I cried the entire day we had to give our dog up, even though I know it was the only thing to do. It was heartbreaking still. And he was only our dog for 5 days.
So, Christmas is upon us and the kids haven’t even asked about the dog. Or any dog for that matter. My husband and I are in shock. Could it be that our trial (and error) was enough to make my girls change their mind on getting a new pet? I’m thinking at this point, yes. I guess we’re off the hook for the moment. And of all things, I think I can speak for my husband and myself when I say that we are a little disappointed that a pet won’t be part of this year’s bounty.
Who knows what the future holds for my family in the pet department but at least I know I won't be spending this holiday house breaking the new cell phone or the new camera. I guess that just might be a Christmas blessing in disguise.
Original LA Moms Blog Post.
