I wasn’t allowed a dog when I was growing up. To be fair, it’s a lot of responsibility looking after one. It can be expensive and kids aren’t always that reliable when it comes to regular walks and even giving them a good brush once in a while (the dog not the kids… although…).
The best thing about dogs is the unconditional love. They ask for very little in reality, food, get out of the house (with you) and to just generally be in your company. Labradors are generally pretty well behaved, although they do intentionally bend the rules that you have imposed. Clearly no dogs allowed on the sofa was breached many years ago, and now it’s just an accepted part of day to day life.
My first dog, a male Labrador, suffered from that difficult mind set of eat first, regrets are for later. Edible conquests included several pints of baby formula, a whole bag of apples, wax crayons (creating an interesting design on the lawn the next day) and a set of dining chairs (no I am not kidding). Even a trip to the vets where this ballooning middle aged Labrador was canny enough to keep putting one foot on the floor when they put him on the scales, big grin all over his daft doggy face. He was great with the kids too and tolerated them chucking sand all over him. There is nothing funnier than watching a toddler tell off a dog that was about three times their size, and he just takes it
Our current dog is more gentle, and very affectionate. Sometimes a little sassy, but they all have personality traits that make them individual. She travels well, so it has been great taking her with us on family holidays, beach trips etc. Going anywhere for a Labrador is an amazing adventure. She even loves the vets.
The best thing about having a pet is their presence. Knowing that they are waiting at home for you brings something to your life. Somehow having survived all of the inedible items getting eaten, or the escapes into the neighbours house, it seems so unfair to have to let them go when their lives are so short. But the memories they leave you with are everything.
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