Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Why hermit crabs don't make good pets...

For Christmas last year, all Elijah really wanted was a hermit crab. The boy loves animals, and he had his heart set on a hermit crab.

Bad idea. Hermit crabs don't make good pets because:

1. Despite their small size, to get them everything they need to be healthy, they are quite an expensive proposition.

2. They are boring. I mean really, really boring. In fact if you even want to see them you usually have to dig them up. They do nothing.

3. Even when you spend an obnoxious amount of money on all the things that are supposed to help them live long and happy lives, they die.

4. And the last and biggest reason that hermit crabs make lousy pets is that after you've buried the fourth one and your baby boy's heart is breaking, you just might find yourself with one of these in your house...















a puppy.


A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, to be exact.


Yep. After insisting that I did not want an indoor dog, ever, ever, ever, Elijah looked up at me with his big brown eyes and tear streaked face and said, "I wish I had a pet that wouldn't die so fast." To which my conniving husband said, "Like a puppy?"

And I said, in a weak moment, "well...maybe."


The next thing I know, we're researching small breeds online and Dan is making phone calls. I tried to backtrack and plug the crack in the dam, but it was too late. We were destined to be dog owners.

The truth is, I can't blame Dan too much. His technique in securing the dog was probably learned from me when I convinced him to replace our living room TV with a piano.


His name is Prince Caspian (like the Narnia character), although I'm not sure he's going to live up to his heroic name. He is slightly more energetic than the hermit crabs, but not much. This is one laid back dog.

He's pretty cute, and the kids are delighted with him. So far, he's been very well behaved. No accidents, very little barking. He's quite content to just lay under the piano and watch us all.

Still, if you ever think of getting a hermit crab, don't say I didn't warn you.


2 comments:

jamielynn3428 said...

He's sooo cute!!!!

Ryan Miller Fam said...

AHHH! I'm so glad there are other parents who give in to children who want puppies!!! Ryan and I said no more house dogs after his golden retriever and my black lab were gone. We were down to the black lab when an orphan showed up at the school! So, guess what? We have done it again!!! As you can see from previous posts, she has been quite the present that keeps on giving!!! However, what a joy he must be! He's a cutie!