Confession Slice

I have always considered myself a cat person
Growing up, we always had cats
When I think back to my childhood
So many memories are of the funny things my cats did
Like Alice breaking in to the cupboard to steal powdered sugar donuts
Or Chase playing fetch with a crumpled up post-it note
Or Ralph curling up in my Barbie Camper–Move over Ken!
Or Dewy climbing up the ladder to the top bunk of my brother’s bed
Or Scruffy letting us dress him up in doll clothes and push him around in a stroller
We usually had one or two cats at a time
But when I share stories about my childhood,
Especially when I’m writing with my students,
Cat stories always emerge.

Confession
I thought about the fact that when I think about my childhood
I think about my cats
And the fact that my daughters would never get to experience this
Sure we have had snails and fish
But is that really the same?

Confession
Although I loved the endless cuddles and purrs
I was (still am) allergic
Like my eyes never stopped itching
And my nose never stopped dripping
And my inhaler never stopped puffing
Kind of allergic

So when my husband showed me a picture of puppies up for adoption
It was a firm NO
We
are
NOT
getting a puppy.

I am a cat person after all
And I’m allergic
And our daughter has allergies
And there is no way we are getting a dog

Confession
A little piece of me did consider the possibility
of getting a sweet, sweet puppy
Maybe
Maybe it would be okay
Miniature Schnauzers are considered to be hypoallergenic
Miniature Schnauzers are supposed to be good family dogs
Amelia has been begging for a dog

NO
NO
NO

Confession
I agreed to visit the puppies
Just to see them
NOT to adopt one

Confession
I am now a dog person, too
A puppy person
A new dog mom
I mean, how could I say no to this face?

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers Thanks for stopping by!