The great puppy debate!

Today the LO got to meet the neighbor’s new puppy for the first time and she was very excited! I knew it would go one of 2 ways; she would be afraid, or she would begin begging for one. Well, let’s just say she wasn’t afraid at all!

We barely got to my car and she asked me why she can’t have a puppy. Ugh.

Me: Maybe when you’re older, we can discuss it.
LO: Which number older?
Me: Like D's age, 16 or 17.
LO: But which number am I now?
ME: 4 and a half, almost 5.
LO: (counting her way up to 10 out loud and on her fingers) But that’s too long!

I was going through the drive thru so I thought it would distract her.

LO: But why not now? I AM a big kid already! I’m growing!
ME: Because, we have a cat and cats and dogs don’t like each other.
LO: So we can bring the cat back to the store and get a PUPPY!
Me: I’ve had her 14 years! I am not bringing her back to the store!
LO: (pout)
ME: Why don't we bring YOU back to the store?
LO: Because I'm NOT an ANIMAL! I'm a KID! You're my MAMA!
ME: Well, I'm Olivia's Mama too!
LO: Ugh! Then, Olivia can live INSIDE and the doggy can live OUTSIDE!
ME: That’s not very nice. What about when it’s hot? Or cold?
LO: Then we build him a DOGHOUSE!
ME: No. Now drop it, please.

A solid 15 minutes later.

LO: Mama, I want a puppy.
ME: You are going back to daycare soon and Mommy and Daddy are going back to work soon.
LO: (staring blankly)
ME: The puppy will be all alone. That's not fun.
LO: Then, the puppy can go play with D’s puppy while I go see my friends and you go to your work.
ME: (insert eye roll here)
LO: Or, we can get TWO puppies! They can be friends!
ME: Oh look, a Paw Patrol toy (that costs far too much but maybe it will shut you up about getting a puppy), do you want it?
LO: Instead of a puppy?
ME: Sure!
LO: um,… are you SURE I can’t have a puppy?
ME: we’re getting Skye.
LO: Ok.

We are not getting a dog. We are not getting a dog. We are NOT getting a DOG!