For The Record

NOTE: GUEST BLOGGER - For the first time in The Hurst Family Blog I, Tom Hurst, must post a response to Jessie's last post. The topic - The Hurst Family dog - yes The Hurst Family dog.....or lack there of. Some of you that read this blog may know that I was a heartbeat away from getting the family a dog for Christmas 2006 - Carl advised against a "surprise" to Jessie (good call bro). Ever since then, I have been lobbying for a dog, sometimes stronger than others. Admittedly, we are a busy family with two young boys and adding a dog would add some additional stress to the mix. However, recently I have been feeling a very strong draw and calling to get a dog. We saw Marley and Me and Tony (my friend and boss) got a dog and has it at the office every day - Mojo (Tony's Yorkie - yes, Yorkie - that's a whole other story) runs into my office every morning and can't wait for me to pick her up and play with her. I want my boys to have what I never had - to grow up with a dog to play with and love. When I was 10 or so, we got a free beagle puppy - not a dog for a family with a sick mom to take care of during the day. After a short time we had to give the dog away to a farmer - it broke my heart. I don't want to wait until my boys are significantly older and the dog is simply an after thought or something we "tried" when the boys were older. Again, I want them to grow up WITH the dog. Now, a puppy with our boys so little and Jess home during the day to take care of them ALL is a tall order. Jessie is an amazing wife and mother and keeps our house and lives in order. I know and appreciate that my desire to add a dog to our family would have a SIGNIFICANT impact on her. I suggested we get an adult or year old dog, with a historically good track record with children. I also agreed to take the dog to work with me when not traveling. We both have agreed that we would like to have a Wheaten Terrier, but have not agreed on when we will be adding this loving animal to our wonderful family. I felt it necessary to set the record straight to our faithful blog followers (both of you) that I was not "perfectly happy with just stuffed dogs in the house"