Dear Crabby,
My kids keep begging me for a puppy. Problem is they go to school all day, my husband works, and I’ll be the one to take care of it full-time. That means I’ll be the one taking it outside in the wet dreary weather, drying muddy paws, and cleaning up after it. I need a creative solution. Do you have any advice?
Sincerely,
Tina Tucker-Dout
Dear Mrs. Tucker-Dout,
If your solutions are anything like Mrs. Crabby’s, it will involve you putting the dog in the garage or someplace else until your husband gets home to handle the dirty work! We have had quite a few dogs through the years. Some were good and some were not. I think every family should sit down and talk about the roles and responsibilities of each person as it pertains to a pet. After all opinions are expressed and the pros and cons are weighed, the man of the house should make the final decision. That’s right – that is how it goes in my house! No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. What I say, goes, and that’s final. Unless of course Mrs. Crabby decides otherwise. But with something like a pet, I think the kids should play an active role. They should be scooping the droppings, bathing the mutt, and remembering to feed the poor thing. I say if they miss a chore, then they lose a finger – I mean, a privilege! 
These kids today have it too easy. They play their Xbox and text their buddies when they should be learning how to contribute to the household. When I was half their age, I was only half as old as them, but probably twice as smart! At least that’s what my grandfather always used to claim! We walked to school and back, uphill both ways! We ate our veggies, and we spoke audible words to our friends and parents! I know my daughter tells me to back off, but if we are allowing these kids to grow up this way, I get concerned for our future. So I say, get the puppy, make some rules, and have some predetermined penalties for violations. No soft kids! Just reality checks in the safety of their own homes! You asked my opinion, so there you have it. Good luck, and let me know how it works out.
Sincerely, Dear Crabby
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About Tom and Ann Gendich