What it takes...thoughts on disposable lives.

Last year, after careful consideration, considerable concern over financial obligations, and even concern that I wouldn't have the time to commit to the task....after such deliberations I chose to look for a pet.

I filled out applications. The wonderful people at the local humane society and the local rescue volunteer organization require applications to adopt a pet. You must be working regularly, have adequate housing for a pet, and references. If you've ever had a pet, you must supply the vet's name, you must be prepared for a home visit, and you must understand that this is not a simple undertaking but requires committment to this pet for the life of the pet. I must recognize that I'm responsible for the pet, that I must feed it, bathe it, and play and train it in the way that it should comport itself.

Even then it caught me somewhat flat footed. I didn't have the back yard fenced in yet, I had to purchase food bowls that day, and I gave up my favorite old blankets for bedding. And, then, a week later, I brought my new friend home to share my life.

I have repeatedly been surprised by vet bills. Oh, my goodness! am I in the wrong line of work! And dog toys!!! Thankfully I found that my pups likes a dirty old sock and an old towel as her favorite toys. Go figure, but I'm not complaining. I've cleaned up my share of indoor ooopses, outdoor messes, torn-up work shoes, caps, shorts, even a plant or two. And, you know, it was all my choice to have this pet, to bring this pet into my home, and she is worth every moment...even the frustrating moments like last night when I woke up frozen and on the edge of the bed because pups took me blankets and all but pushed me out of the bed.

Now, would you like to know what it takes to have a child?

Well, you don't have to necessarily be able to feed it. And, you don't necessarily need to be able to clothe it, bathe it, house it, give it medical care, teach it, love it, provide hope and warmth, train it up in the ways it should grow.....you don't even have to commit to a lifetime of care for it.

Oh, well, not me....see, I'm gay. I'm single. I'm not suitable. I can't even take one they are going to simply throw away. It's the principle of the thing, evidently. But, I have a dog....I qualified for that. Well, I didn't let on that I was gay. Do you think that would have mattered?