My parents say NO DOG!

I am a 16 year-old female. I have been purposing to my parents for years on receiving a maltese puppy. We have allergies in our family, but from what I have researched- maltese dogs do not shed. I found this fascinating and ironic considering that I wanted a maltese. My father says no. He gives no reason. He had many pets when he was a child, and I feel that he may have been very sad when they passed and doesn't want me to be hurt. My mother says that we don't have the place for one. She would feel horrible if she kept it in the garage or outside, but she doesn't want it in the house because she says it may smell. She also feels that I am not responsible enough and will not spend sufficient time with it. I have offered many times to purchase a maltese on my own and pay for the expenses as well. They seem very strong on their arguments. I really want one, and I feel that I am ready. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for your time.

Hi! Well, all my life I've always wished for a dog for x-mas. Of course, for many of the same reasons you mentioned, my parents denied my wishes. At the time, I thought, "how cruel" and swore I'd never do the same thing to my children, if they asked for a dog. Well, here I am at age 35 & this year I finally got my long awaited x-mas gift.....a beautiful male Maltese puppy. After only 2 weeks, I will never question my parents judgement again. The dog is absolutely beautiful, he does not shed at all & while I wash him often he doesn't have much doggy smell either. However, after having two children, I think raising a dog is much more difficult. He requires alot of work as far as housetraining which includes taking him outside to do his "business" approximatley every two hours as well as cleaning it up when he is done as I do not want the mess to remain on the lawn. Of course, he needs to be fed and bathed on a regular basis. He also needs regular shots at the vet and any additional medical problems he may incur. We had a very unfortunate experience here while Pepper was with us for just one week. He is allowed in our tv room during family time while we are all around to keep an eye on him. Well, he was awfully quiet sitting in the corner near the sofa & when I looked over at him he had found (on a very well swept carpet) a staple of some sort & when I tried to retrieve it from his mouth he was too quick and swallowed it. I immediatley called the vet & he took x-rays etc & tried to have Pepper vomit it up, but unfortunately that attempt was unsuccessful. Pepper required a very serious intestinal operation in order to remove the foreign object!!! Needless to say we were all heartbroken and very concerned for the two days that followed until we learned that his operation was succesful and he would completely recover. Pepper is still on antibiotics (which need to be given orally 3 times a day) and his stiches will be removed on Thursday. While affectionate & loving, dogs are a very needy, dependent and expensive creature who need a considerable amount of care which must be taken seriously. Although at the time I thought I was ready,, I can honestly say now that I wouldn't have been able to handle the job in my early teens were it to be my sole responsibility. Please think carefully about your decision and be sure you can give a 100% commitment to your warm & fuzzy friend. He'll need you!! Good Luck.
lyd
Dear No Dog: I have had Allergies too, had to get rid of 3 dogs, but am not bothered by my Maltese. Plan to get a 2nd one soon. Promise to crate train the dog and bath it often and it will not smell. Make sure you keep your word about caring for the dog and your parents will grow to love your Maltese so much they will wonder why they didn't have one years ago. Some times I think if the Maltese would have come before the kids, there might not have been kids. Good luck. I thank God the day my husband g ave in when he saw her face and could not go home without her.
Mrs. Johnson
My parents didn't let me have a dog either. Wouldn't you know, as soon as I got my own place I got a dog. And then I adopted another one. This summer, I adopted another one. Three dogs later, my mom has given in and she will sit on the couch surrounded by dogs. This would have never happened while I was living at home because it would have been her couch they were sitting on. My advice to you is to wait until you have your own place, have a good job, can afford the vet bills, and won't have to hear anyone complain about your dog. It really hurts when someone criticizes something you love--and you will LOVE your maltese. Good luck.
Veronica
My parents said no dog until I was 12. Now we are in the prosess of finding my puppy. I have helped to raise over 5 dogs of all sizes and I think you should give the dog a little more thought. You can't play with it and then put it in a toy box you know.
Jackie
Date sent: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 12:18:05 -0700 From:Hi, I think you should wait! I have two male/neutered Maltese, and I love them very much! But, I have to say that they require a lot of time and money to take care of them. My parents don't really like the idea of having two dogs, but since I live on my own, and I am the one who is responsible for the dogs. They have nothing to say rather than THEY ARE SO CUTE!:) So, wait until you are ready.
CoCo
My parents were the same way. I'm 13 and have two maltese. I think the're great dogs. They don't shed because they have hair not fur. They don't smell because you bathe them once every 2 weeks. If you don't want to have to worry about the coat you can just keep it in a short puppy cut (which I think is just as cute). Pleass have your parents reed this! once they see the cute puppy the'll instantly fall in love!
Alexis