Passing infatuation?

I told my husband over the weekend that we’re getting a dog.

This could lead to divorce.

He’s already suffered through the acquisition of a flock of chickens, numerous Siamese fighting fish and two bunnies. The chook food attracted a mob of hungry bush turkeys who’ve decided our yard is the perfect spot for them to build an enormous nest. Every morning my husband rakes the nest away, every evening it’s back.

He’s also the one who’s left to dispose of the dead Siamese fighting fish every time the PH levels go out of whack, and cleans their tank when it goes murky (which is A LOT).

As for the bunnies … he accidentally them loose in the house all day about a month ago and they chewed through the TV cord, the DVD cord, the camera cord, two bedside lamp cords, the oil heater cord and the computer cord. That was ugly.

The phrase “prisoner in my own home” has also been used.

So why on earth would I tempt fate with a dog. Well, there are two reasons. The kids are desperate for one and … so am I.

I figure at almost eight and almost 10 they’re old enough to shoulder some of the responsibility of a primary pet. They’ve promised to walk him every day, groom and feed him. (Reality might be another thing …)

I had a dog when I was a kid and I adored him. I know they’re a huge responsibility but I get the impression the pluses outweigh the minuses (mind you a story in the newspaper this week about people happily spending $13,000 on operations for their pooches freaked me out slightly).

And, at 45 I’m secretly wishing there had been time for a third child … a puppy seems like a perfect plan B.

I’ve been researching breeds and I reckon something with “oodle” in it is the go. It’s been suggested cavoodles might be the best bet around chooks and bunnies because they have the smarts of a poodle with the laidback nature of the Cavalier Spaniel.

I came very close to putting a down payment on this little fellow …

I’m also a bit gaga about moodles – Maltese terriers crossed with poodles, but I’m worried they might be a bit snappy/yappy. On the other hand, look at that cute little face …

The kids and I almost impulse-bought a pug cross over the weekend, but his little squashed face just looked so SAD. I think I need a pup that smiles.

And I’m pretty convinced it shouldn’t be white after having a Bichon Frise in my youth (we quickly realised why his mother was called “Paw-paw Plush Bottom”).

My husband has pointed out that the bunnies and a puppy might not get along. I’m not sure why he’s so worried since he’d love nothing more than to banish the fun buns from the house. I’ve been researching bird aviaries on-line just in case. I’m thinking if they freak out about our new furry friend we could move them into the backyard into one opposite the chook pen. Why a bird aviary? I figure their cage can slot straight into the aviary for comfort, then they’ll still have lots of ground space to hop around. And I’d promise to go and cuddle them every day.

But hopefully they can get along …

Does anyone have experience with bunnies and dogs living in harmony together? What do you think is the perfect age to get a child a dog?