Pets

Another myth busted.

I used to think that pets and children are perfect substitutes - you know, substitute goods in economics 101. E.g. rice and bread, coke and Pepsi.

After 1 weekend of dog-sitting, I can understand why people say that.  But yet it's not quite the same.

Yes so pets are cute.  When I nap, they nap at my feet, when I watch TV, Toby sits beside me or at my feet (I often step on him when I jump up suddenly), they follow you around and give you their sorrowful doggie eye stare.  If you fear loneliness, a dog would be ideal.

It was all very clear when Matty and his parents came by for lunch.  Matty touched the ears, the paws, patted the backs and then he held their tail and said "push" and tried to push the dog forward like it's one of his movable toys.  If I could pull my phone out for a photo, I would have!

With the kid and the dogs together, we only had eyes for the kid.  The poochies somehow knew their place, so Toby would leave the minute Matty comes near while poor Josh just sat there and tolerated Matty's molest.

I did get a pretty restful weekend, nice to get a chance to wind down as the year draws to a close.

But I was glad to give the poochies back Sunday night.
Then I spent 3 hours cleaning the house so there is no funky smell, the carpet is back out, the throw cushions are back on the couch again.