10th and Lawrence Streets, N.E. Washington D.C. 20017
Subject: Re: Pets
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 23:27:58 -0100
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> Next?
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> Bob(by)
Okay here's my feeble attempt to "keep up with class of '68" pet
stories:
Growing up we had sheep, cows, dogs, cats and chickens so maybe that is
why as a parent I was ADAMANT about no pets. When people told me all
the trials of housebreaking and caring for cats and dogs I decided I
preferred to put all my energies into children (I'm sure many will argue
this decision with me). As much as my children asked I just never could
relent to any pets (more childhood baggage) until finally I gave in to a
rabbit - which ended up being eaten by a neighborhood dog. The neighbor
even tried to deny it until he found the rabbit in his back yard.
That's about it - but it was really just the beginning; Mike - our
second child- apparently had an innate talent with animals as well as a
strong desire to work with them. When he was 10 he started to volunteer
at the local park which is in fact a working farm park. He is now 20
and still works there - some paid hours and many weekly volunteer
hours. He has a lot of experience with all aspects of care including
the birthing of cows, horses, lambs, goats and especially pigs. For the
last 4 years he has been going to Indiana to purchase his own pigs to
raise and show in state fairs. He's won not only cash and ribbons but
also scholarship money for school. Just tonight I was at the park to see
this year's pigs that he bought last week. He goes to MD, VA and NC
fairs.
And then there's Tommy who always wanted a dog and finally bought
himself one about 2 years ago. Now he's looking into training
search/rescue dogs as a career.
Who says parents have any influence over their children?
Pat L. (For Fr K's benefit - Pat Klapac)