Critters

I am thinking it is time for a pet! Bowen is at an age that he knows when to be gentle and listens to my instructions pretty well. Winter is coming and we are going to be cooped up indoors, in need of some extra fun and activity. He has been asking sweetly for a puppy dog for a long time, but we can't get one for many reasons. Most importantly, I don't want to coop up a dog, too. Most need lots of room to move, run, explore, and we can't offer that in a little apartment. Also, as I mentioned, winter is coming, and we would have to walk it outside in the cold alllll the time. Especially to let it go potty. I have heard you can litter box train dogs, but I think with a toddler who I am already trying to potty train I don't want to be doing the same for another living thing!


So, I have read a few articles and thought about solutions and have concluded we may get a guinea pig or a rat! Both are very friendly, become loyal and loving to their owners, like to be held and petted, don't usually bite unless provoked (unlike hamsters and gerbils), and are appropriately small for the size of our living quarters. A few drawbacks: cleaning cages when I have a lot to clean already, buying cages, toys, food, etc., rats are highly social and need other ratty companions which would require buying more than one, need to rat/guinea pig-proof the areas of the house we are going to play in, space needed for cage in already cramped quarters, eventual death of said pet resulting in toddler sadness.


Anywho, thoughts are much appreciated if anyone has anything to add! I really want a pet because they bring so much joy! I know Bowen and I would have fun with some small furry creatures!!! I think, first, though, I might take Bowen to the pet store and see if he can really handle it well.