This is Joey.

Joey is not our dog.

Joey is not our dog because I am VERY allergic to dogs.  And cats.  And anything else with fur or feathers.  Which is why we currently only have a fish and a guinea pig.  Although even the guinea pig makes me wheeze.  But I try to avoid him as much as possible.  A dog on the other hand is too difficult to avoid when they, and all their fur and dander, live in your house.  So even though I’m SURE all three of my boys would trade me in for a dog in a heartbeat, I’m not prepared to leave – just yet.  So no dog for them.  Until this weekend.  When we were on dog-sitting duty for our neighbour.

It’s been a much anticipated event in our house.  They’ve been counting down the days.  Asking many questions about dog care.  Curious to know how it’s all gonna go down.

Joey lives right across the street.  And due to the aforementioned allergies, was not to be let inside our house.  He would sleep at his own place (we did however keep a close eye on the place to ensure there were no rowdy parties or late night romantic encounters), but was allowed to hang out in our backyard during the day.  I was actually looking forward to the morning and evening walking schedule because I would really like to go for more walks, but can never convince any of my boys to join me.  But this weekend I had enthusiastic partners.  All fighting over who would get to hold the leash.

And then about halfway through our first walk . . . he pooped.  As dogs are known to do.

And the boys were grossed out.  And my eldest had to reach down with his bagged hand and pick up the warm pile – “ewwww . . . there’s a fly in it already!” he squealed.

And then having a dog didn’t seem as good as he had first thought.  In fact it may have extinguished the “I want a dog” fires for just a little while.

Gotta take the good with the bad, boys!

But it was nice having you, Joey.  You can come back again anytime.