Note to Self

While running errands yesterday we just missed the Post Office hours...there was NO grace to be had for the weary lady with the huge box...I'm sure they were just as weary from a long day of boxes. My daughter was with me so I decided that we should do something fun while out together (without anyone else.) I looked up after maneuvering the huge box back into the van and saw a pet store. There was a big sign that read, "We Have Puppies!"

I thought, "How fun! She will love it!" I said nothing. Just drove the very short distance and parked again. "What are we doing here?" She looked up from her book a little irritated to have just begun only to be interrupted again. Then she too saw the sign. "Oh! Let's go see them!" She exclaimed!

During the few steps into the store I explained that we would NOT be buying one; just looking. Evidently those words were lost-crowded out by her own thoughts of puppy bliss. She was admiring an adorable white Chihuahua when the owner spotted her and being the gifted sales person that she was immediately swept up puppy and child into a play room.

The puppy LOVED my daughter and my daughter LOVED the puppy. She had it named in less than a minute and then the petitions began..."Oh, Mommy! He NEEDS a home before Christmas!" "He could stay in my room and I would feed him and walk him and even clean up his messes!" "He couldn't possibly eat very much!" At which time the miniature dog managed to find a small piece of paper on the floor that he tried to eat. I picked him up and took the paper out of his mouth and he snuggled up against my neck so sweetly. "No honey, WE can't have him, I am sorry!" I said. She played with him and held him one last time before we had to give him back.

Her tears began the moment we reached the car. "But, I love him...please?" I proceeded to explain the logical reasons behind why we could not get him. He would cost us almost $1000 dollars; we already have a cat (who hates dogs by the way); if mommy bought him it would make mommy & daddy fight...etc (not that he doesn't like dogs; just the spontaneous $1000 purchase). I told her that it was just meant to be a sweet and fun moment and maybe someday we could get a puppy. She calmed down.

We went inside the house and she took her Christmas list off of the refrigerator crossed out everything else and wrote, "Chocolate the white Chihuahua from Pets Plus." She saw me looking at her and she said, "I know we can't afford him; but Santa could...." Oh dear...

Note to self, "NEVER bring an 8 year old girl to the pet store less than 10 days before Christmas!!!" What in the world was I thinking?