A girl and her puppy.

Ok, so we're getting a dog. I have to say that I haven't had a dog for over 25 years and I never thought we would be getting one since I remember how much work they are and my wife never had one growing up. My kids have been deathly afraid of them ever since that freakin' untrained, trailer trash, fence charging, spit slinging, German Shepherd next door in our old house that "never would hurt a fly" nearly got into our car as we were unloading groceries with the kids in their car seats. Only a contortionist movement through the hatchback and into the backseat closing the door and almost taking the dog's head with it saved my kids from the life-long impression of being prey animals. "Oh, she's ok. She just wants to say hello to the kids." Yeah, the way she says hello when my kids go into the backyard by charging the fence and growling and barking and slinging spit? Did I mention the slinging spit? "Please come and get your dog or I'm going to fire up my barbecue"... We moved shortly after this episode.

Fast forward 4 years and many experiences with their friend's dogs later. The kids come to me in a united front that would be the envy of any UN Security Council; "Dad, we have talked it over and we want a dog." Huh? What about the fear of all those four legged beasts? "We spend time with our friend's dogs, and they are so cute and lovable." I have to keep remembering that kids minds can change faster than gas prices. "Well, let me think about it."
Now would be a great time in introduce you to my oldest daughter. She is 10... or 35 depending on the time of day and subject at hand. This is the person whom had me intellectually bested at 3 years of age... I'll pause for friends to have a go at that one... Ok, back now. So here is this rather high functioning 10 year old girl who wants a dog more than oxygen, she sets me in her sights and unleashes her onslaught of shock and awe. No, no, no. Remember this is a girl, she goes about this in the most sublime and cunning manner. She attacks with logic and reason. It is relentless and valid. The final assault on my crumbling defenses was a school paper she wrote during a writing unit on persuasive argument. After reading this well written piece all I could come up with was a weak "no". No substance, no reasoning, no higher stand on what ever lame excuse I couldn't even come up with. Knowing I was beaten, she accepted my sword with grace and compassion, simply saying through happy tears, "I know you are going to love it!!" This girl could run for president next week, and I would vote for her. She's that good.
Then it all came to me, the world is a harsh, mean and unforgiving place. There are global problems that seem unsolvable, and political situations that seem hell-bent on ruining us all. I have seen some of the bad that this world can dish out, so it may merely be the moment, but I have to tell you that our last best hope just might be a girl and her puppy.