The tally is 3 nays, 1 yay, 2 abstain, and 1 absent. The present majority wins.
This afternoon's car conversation with Bobbin.
Bobbin: Mommy, I want a guinea pig for a pet.
Me: You do? Well... we've talked about how right now we have a pretty full house already.
Bobbin: Well, guinea pigs are really small, you know.
Me: Yes. True. They are. But they're still a big responsibility. Do you know how to take care of a guinea pig?
Bobbin: I would have to feed it.
Me: Yup.
Bobbin: I will do that.
Me: And you have to clean its cage.
Bobbin: You can do that part, Mommy.
Me: Well.... no. It would have to be a shared responsibility. And anyway, you know, guinea pigs and cats don't really get along all that well. Your guinea pig would probably be a little nervous with Ginger and Spicey roaming around, and Ginger and Spicey might think your guinea pig is a toy for them to play with, and they could accidentally hurt it.
Bobbin: Well, we can keep the cats locked in your room, Mommy!
Me: Well, how would the cats get exercise?
Bobbin: They could just run around on your bed and stuff.
Me: I see. Well, no, I don't think that would really work very well.
Bobbin: Well, when Ginger and Spicey die can I have a guinea pig then Mommy? Please?
Me: Well, after I finish mourning the loss of the cats that I've raised since they were babies, and who have been with me longer than you or your Daddy, perhaps we can talk about it.
Bobbin: Yay!
Comments
Having had to care for guinea pigs to the tune of $8.75/h during my third year of University, I can tell you that was nowhere near enough money. Guinea pigs smell terrible. TERRIBLE. No matter how clean you keep them. And they're dumb. Dumb, dumb, dumb. (Particularly when exposed to alcohol in utero, but even under ideal gestational circumstances, they're pretty slow on the uptake.)
Posted by Aunt Sarah on December 6, 2009 2:53 PM.I'd steer her towards hamsters....smaller, a little brighter, and all around much more pleasant to deal with. Alternatively, ferrets are pretty neat, too.