FAMILY PETS NURTURE LONG MARRIED COUPLES

“Family pets are for kids to learn about caring for animals.”

That makes sense to me.

Feed the fish, walk the dog, pet the cat.

Then everyone grows up and moves on.

That’s when I had ‘the conversation’ about a new dog.

Wife: We need a dog.

Me: We had a dog. It died.

Wife: After sixteen years.

Me: I’m still sad.

Wife: That was four years ago.

Me: Died in my arms. That adds years to the mourning process.

Wife: I think you were over it four years ago. Now you’re milking it.

Me: Remember what it was like before we got married, before we knew each other.

Wife: Yes. I had a dog. Rumple. What did you have?

Me: I had the freedom of nothing depending on me, never running out of food, not walking the dog to the local pee-pole.

Wife: Then we got married and our kids wanted a dog.

Me: We’ve had four dogs.

Wife: What most men don’t understand is women my age need something to nurture.

Me: I don’t understand.

Wife: You will.

 

Something To Nurture

Nurturing animals means keeping them clean, healthy, and well fed.

It means dog baths, vet check-ups, and food that keeps them nourished.

Because this dog is about eighty pounds of twitch that goes from 0-60 faster than a race car, I walk her with caution to avoid getting my arm pulled off when a squirrel jumps out.

I help her out of the car so she doesn’t injury her shoulders jumping down.

With hair that gets matted, I brush her out.

What am I missing?

We’ve been to training together, which was hit and miss.

Last week was the first time my four year old ran off-leash.

It was a big deal for all of us.

 

Celebrating Milestones

If the idea was getting family pets because women of a certain age need something to nurture, husbands need to remember this:

You are the target for nurturing whether your wife says it or not.

From her you hear:

 

Wife: Did you remember to get her food?

Me: The food bin is full.

Wife: I mean her special add-on food. What day is her next grooming appointment?

Me: End of the month.

Wife: She really needs it. You could use a trim, too. Ask about using the Dremel on her nails. We can take her in then go get pedicures. Your toenails need help.

Me:

 

The other benefit of family pets for long married couples?

Husbands and wives talk to the dog, but each of them thinks it’s about them.

 

Who’s the prettiest of them all.

My #1.

You look better than ever.

I like what you’re done with your hair.

Let’s dance.

 

PS: Once you get comfortable sweet talking the dog, try it on each other.

PSS: Who wants a cookie?