Saturday, May 19, 2012

Worst Pets Ever

Guinea pig. Turtles. Fish. Silk worms.

What do these animals have in common?

They were my childhood pets. The guinea pig, specifically, was mine for a short period of time before I realized I was completely allergic to her. She was also really boring for a young girl. I watched her sit in her cage and ...well, that was it. I eventually gave her to a preschool class.

The other animals aren't worth talking about. The turtles were eaten by raccoons. The fish eventually had to be flushed. The soft silk worms turned into nasty, dusty moths and flew away.

Every member of my family is allergic to at least one real pet with fur. Cats. Dogs. Guinea pigs.

My mom would load me and my siblings up on Benadryl to prepare for sleepovers or even just a BBQ.

Better than a bunny
My best friend, Steph, practically grew up on a farm they had so many animals. I was in LOVE with her rabbit! But, Joey would not sit still long enough for a short cuddle. And then I had to wash my hands immediately after contact.

You can imagine my joyful, yet skeptical surprise, when I found out about hypoallergenic dogs. A dog that doesn't shed or cause sneezing, itching or watery eyes?! Where can I get such a creature? (This was before the internet.)

It wouldn't be until years later that I finally adopted little Charlotte. I'm not a dog person. So this has been interesting...
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7 comments:

  1. dmaherMay 19, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    I had Max close his ears when I read the second to the last sentence!

    You've taken to dogs so nicely!

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  2. AnonymousMay 20, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Any animal that has a cage (or enclosure) that I must clean out on a regular basis is not the animal for me... or my children. Am I mean? Lazy? I don't know but I can't stand the smell of a dirty cage: hamster, bunny rabbit, bird, monkey(!?). Whatever it is, it won't be in my house. That's why I'm pretty much a dog only person. Jules, I can't wait to learn more about all things Charlotte! I love you!

    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charlotte's MomMay 21, 2012 at 8:24 AM

      Liz,
      No, you are not mean. Cagged animals are a lot of work! They should only be in classrooms. :)

      Thanks for going on this journey with me!
      J

      Delete
  3. DanaMay 20, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    That is so funny. I think I might forever be damaged about having pets because of our allergies. Those silk worms were super cute at first and then became disgusting. I love that you started a blog. I will be anxious to see what you have to share next. love you

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    Replies
    1. Charlotte's MomMay 21, 2012 at 8:28 AM

      Dana,
      Just you wait, you'll have a dog too! And I can't wait to see you and Nathanael as puppy parents. :)
      J

      Delete
  4. dmvfreemanMay 23, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    I love dogs, had the best dog growing up. My dad brought him home when he was found outside his work and had to be hand fed with an eye dropper by my mom because he was so small. His name was Neil and he was smarter that any human. So, I begged your dad for a puppy, but surprise, we had Tim...that was ok wasn't it????? Just kidding Tim, but his allergies were soooo bad that it was a good thing we didn't have that puppy. But now I have cats....would rather have a puppy!!!! Mom

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  5. timothylfreemanMay 25, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    The turtles had real names juls! They were rocky and bullwinkle. And they were awesome for the one day we had them:) I sat on the back steps grieving their loss, but knowing they were now in a better place. A place with no raccoons... And probably nothing else either. Haha. Can't wait to meet little Charlotte and not sneeze!

    ReplyDelete

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