Every child deserves a dog

“Mom,” says Pa.
“When I grow up… big. So big that I’ll even have kids,” she clarifies, “I’ll let them have ten dogs if they want.”

I start laughing out loud.
Because both of their eyes meet on the vacuum cleaner, which has just nearly choked again after tackling Mister Ego’s hair.

“I’ll buy ten vacuums to suck up all their hair!” she adds.

I won’t mention that then she’ll still need at least half as many extra hands as dogs she’s planning for—on top of her own.
But I don’t add that.

Because I remember:
Every child should have a dog.
And.
A mom who lets them have one.

Even ten of them.

Heaven knows.
Sweet ones.
Next to the little “spies.”

V.