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Parents don't want maltese
by Megan
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Somebody help. My parents don't want to get another dog. How can I get them to let me get a maltese? I have a Golden Retriever who loves other dogs and is sadly aging. I want to get a maltese of my own. The only thing stoping me is my parents. They only want one dog. I already take care of my dog. I walk, groom, bath, feed, the whole ordeal. Somebody has hade to have had this problem before.HELP!!!
DISCUSSION:
Hi, Megan! I have been through it before. I was really young back then, and was living with my parents. Anyway, with hindsight, it was a wise decision (not to have MY dog at that age) because I left and went to college bla bla bla, and if I had a dog, the dog would have been left behind... "the whole ordeal." That would have been more painful than just not having a dog at that point. BUT (!), I have my own MALTESE now. I didn't have to wait very long at all. I've graduated and am now at my first job, with MY (my parents had a doberman for 12 years) first dog, a Maltese. I couldn't be happier. That's my story. How old are you, Megan?
Chuin
To begin with, Megan, how old are you? If you are old enough and have the means to move out then I think that is the only way you will have a Maltese. You cannot force anyone to want another dog. Especially parents..Ha! I learned that. Good Luck.
Libby & Buster
Dear Megan, you did not say how old you are but you seem to be very responsible. As a Mom, myself, I can understand a parent's view. If you are a teenager, you may be leaving home in a few years. Also, a Maltese costs a whole lot of money, not to mention the vet bills, and a lot of time. You already have one dog to care for. These are things that parents think about. Do you get an allowance? Do you babysit? Perhaps you could set up a "Maltese" fund. I did this when I was a kid and bought a huge aquarium. I spent several years saving up for it. It was my total responsibility, though. I bought it, took care of it, and paid for the food, and new fish. Perhaps if you were willing to do this, your parents may come around. Good luck to you, Megan
April B
Would you happen to be the same Megan who owns Sammy? You sound so familiar. If so, I know you are very responsible with your golden (if not you sure sound like it too!) I think Chuin says it very well if you are still in school. If you get a Maltese are you prepared to do all of the grooming, pay for all of the shots, spay and neuter? You know, that may also be what your parents are looking at. Try not to be mad at them, and when you get on your own it will mean even more to you when you do get one.
gail, cody and ashleigh
Hi Megan! As a lot of people said above, your parents are probably worried that you would leave home to go to college, etc. I know that was my parents problem when I was younger. My first family dog was a cocker spaniel/terrier mixed mutt (Casper) we had when I was about 6, he passed away while I was in high school (cancer) then my brother brought home a german shephard puppy (Mad Max), when my brother moved out, so did Mad Max, so we were left dogless for the first time for as long as I could remember. Like you, I begged and pleaded, but my parents said no (and I DID have the $, I worked in high school & saved, saved, saved). Anyway, I look back and am glad that they didn't allow me to get a puppy, I went off to college, graduated and got an apartment of my own that did not allow pets. Well, after all that time (I love Mad Max, but he kind of resembles his name), I finally moved into a "pet friendly" building, and got the maltese baby I always wanted. I know it seems like forever, but if it is meant to be, it will happen one day, and I'm positive you'll be the greatest maltese mommy, and it will be even better then, I promise!
Mary & Bailey
Hi Megan. As so many others have asked...How old are you? I think so many of us are asking that question because we would answer you differently based on your age. In so many ways having a maltese is like having a baby. Younger people (teens and even some in their twenties) do seem to be going through many situational changes. By that I mean college, trips with friends, frequent changes of living arrangements and so on. These are exactly the reasons why it is harder for younger folks to shoulder the responsibilty of a baby (dog OR human). Your parents have seen you through many changes and I'm sure they amy be frightened that you will move on and leave them with a pet they didn't really want to begin with. I would feel that way myself. Ask yourself..are you ready to be a parent now? I don't know of any person who managed to take their dog to college with them. I wish you luck in whatever happens.
Robin MC
Hi Megan! I have to say that I agree with everyone above me about going away etc. That's my disclaimer as a parent. I guess I have to say that. However.......if you are really dyeing to get a maltese, then it seems that you are going to have to have one or both of your parents fall in love with one itself. (Typically, get your dad: they're usually softies to daughters to take you "just to look" at one). Also, the maltese books are good to "leave around" for your parents to see the darling babies. If after all the not so subtle attempts fail, then try to accept it until you're an adult. Good luck to you. Let us know what happens and give your golden a hug from Beau and Maisy.
Tricia Beau and Maisy
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