How much is that doggie eating my underwear?

Growing up we never had pets. Well, we had fish but they never lasted long - thanks gran. My older sister did have a white rabbit called Nosey but we don't really walk about that. And then when I was about 13 I was allowed to get a guinea pig. That's when I learned that I'm scared of most animals and can't for the life of me pick one up without being scared of being bitten or peed on or breaking all it's bones with my human hands - accidently of course.

I'm grateful that we never had a dog or a cat or a horse or a bird or anything else we begged for - except a unicorn, I'd really have/would still love a unicorn. Husband's family have a small dog. This is why I'm grateful we never had one. I no longer think 'What if my parents weren't so mean...' or 'My childhood would have been so much happier if I...' A dog does not mean happiness to me. This (hu)man's best friend needs to be able to speak words and not start yelping when it can't find it's way out a pillowcase.

Chances are we'll end up with a small dog some day because husband is such an animal person(and I sort of, kind of want a puggle) but until he can take better care of himself we're not getting one. I have enough to worry about like my sun tan and what colour to dye my hair next without having to guard my underwear and rubbish bin from a wee yappy dug! - I sound like my mum now.

Did you have a pet growing up? Do you have pets now? Are they pests? Do you love them? Convert me...

Puppy Love

"Here is a picture of me and my dog Britty on the beach in Oregon. It was taken the summer before he died. We got him when I was 16 and he lived until I was 26. I still miss him." — Nichole