All I want for Christmas

United States
December 24, 2010 8:07pm CST
I keep setting myself up for heartache, but I can not help it. Nothing would make me happier than getting a dog for Christmas. There is a dog at the rescue where I volunteer named Astro who I just love, and I would be the happiest person in the world if I could adopt him. And my parents know I feel this way. Now, some of you may know that my dad is hard set on NOT bringing another animal into the house, especially a dog. My mom has 3 dogs, I have 0...so I said I should get a dog. But I know it's not going to happen. And even though I know there is no way I'm going to get Astro, I still keep thinking about little things that are making me think that he could be my Christmas surprise. For example, 2 days after I emailed Astro's online adoption profile to my dad, the profile was taken down, which probably means he was adopted. And another thing is, my mom mentioned Astro to her friends (who's son is looking for a dog for his daughter). And I was happy about this because I thought we'd found Astro a home. But I began to feel a little sad about this because I wanted Astro. Well, after discovering Astro's adoption profile was gone I went and showed my mom another little dog for her friend's son. And when I showed her this new dog she didn't ask 'What about Astro?' (I didn't tell my mom his profile was gone). So, if you've read this whole discussion, thank you! lol. And maybe someone can help me figure out why I keep setting myself up for heartache. I had Astro over for a sleep over once, and on my way bringing him back to the rescue I cried the entire drive there and the entire drive back. I felt like I was betraying him and had tricked him by bringing him to a nice home (with other dogs to play with) and then leaving him again. So he is clearly a dog that can effect me, so why do I keep trying to make myself feel like there's a chance I'll get him, when I know I won't??
7 responses
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
28 Dec 10
Hello LilyoftheThorns, I had wished for a dog for 15 years. My parents didn't want to bring home a dog, as we lived in an apartment from a block of flats, and they said it is not a proper place for raising a dog. But as soon as I got my first job and moved in my own house (well, it wasn't really my own, it was a rented apartment) I got my first dog. I'm sure you'll have your dog when you'll live by yourself and nobody will tell you what to do any more. I'm glad that Astro found a good home, there are always unhappy dogs abbandoned, in need for a home.
• United States
29 Dec 10
Oh boy don't I know that! It's sad how many unwanted animals there are right now. I will always be an adopter, never a buyer! :) What kind of dog did you get as your first dog? I can not wait for the day when I do have my own place, and I can go to a shelter for the first time and actually choose a dog (or maybe 2, who knows) that I will save. For as long as I can remember, when we were adopting a new dog from a shelter the dog I wanted was NEVER picked by the rest of my family, it was never my choice. I can't wait for the day when it is my choice alone. Thanks inu!
• United States
29 Dec 10
I love Airdale Terriers!! I first fell in love with the breed when i watched 101 Dalmations (the live one) and I fell in love with the big brown dog that helped them...lol! No joke :P Then my admiration for the breed contiued when I worked at Petsmart Pethotel and had a couple airedale terriers that visited a lot. It's a good breed. I would LOVE to own a greyhound as my first dog, but really what I plan on doing is just searching through the shelters around my house, maybe browsing through the many pages at PetFinder.com, and I just hope I'll know when I see the dog that's right for me. You know how people sometimes say they got a feeling and just knew? That's what I'm hoping for!
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
29 Dec 10
I'm sure you will find the right companion for you when the time comes. I think there must be lot of retired racing Greyhounds in need for a home. I think it gives you a wonderful sensation to know that you saved their life. I know it from the dogs I rescued. I am so happy to see them healthy and joyful each time I go visit my parents!
@cicisnana (772)
• United States
25 Dec 10
I really hope your Christmas wish comes true and when you wake up in the morning you'll wake up to Astro giving you lots of wet kisses all over your face :) Let us know please, rather or not Astro is your Christmas gift!
• United States
25 Dec 10
Actually I'm staying Christmas Eve at my sisters, so I won't get home on Christmas until around noon. Which is something else I'm telling myself...gives them plenty of time to get him. Thank you :)
• United States
25 Dec 10
Well, still, please let us know!!
• United States
26 Dec 10
I did not get him, and I guessed as much. But at least it looks like he got adopted, so I'm happy that he's found a home. And his adoption leaves room for one more dog to be saved from euthanasia. Thanks cici
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
26 Dec 10
Astro sounds like a gorgeous dog and I hope that he could become yours. You would make the ideal owner if your parents will let you. When you had him over for a sleepover you knew that he is compatible with your parents dogs. Good luck this Christmas and New Year.
• United States
26 Dec 10
Oh he's compatible with everyone, dogs, cats and people. That's why he's a great little dog. And it was cute watching him play with my moms big Lab mix. But he's not mine. No Astro for me. But it looks like he may have gotten adopted, so I'm happy for him. Thanks
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
25 Dec 10
Well, it is now Christmas day.. did you get him? I got 2 new kittens for Christmas, but I knew about them a month ago and picked them up earlier this week. I've also set myself up for disappointment, really hoping I'd recieve something I was certain I wouldn't get. One year it was a digital camera for my birthday, but hubby did get it! Last year it was a Wii Fit, and I got it. This year all I really wanted was a Twilight Scene It game, the Twilight movies or soundtracks, and perhaps a couple other CD's from artists I've just discovered that I loved.. and I got everything except the Twilight soundtracks! I'm very pleased.
• United States
26 Dec 10
Aww well your hubby knows you well. No, I did not get Astro. But I can't complain about this Christmas. My parents got me a new laptop and a new digi camera (both of which I needed for an upcoming Summer trip). I mean, if I had a choice I would trade everything I got for Astro...but it's not my choice and my parents saved me a lot of money. So I'm pleased too.
@nestle11 (85)
• Philippines
25 Dec 10
There's heartache because pets are like best friends or sons or daughters. They are attached to people's hearts easily because of their unconditional love. There might come a time when your dad will change his decision and let you have one, right? Another dog who may also be special to you. :D
• United States
26 Dec 10
No, my dad won't change his mind. He doesn't want anymore animals. He doesn't love them like my mom and I do, he just puts up with them for us. I'm afraid I won't be getting my own dog until I move out.
@maryhu (30)
• Accord, New York
14 Dec 13
I share my harvest to my friends.
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@ElicBxn (63235)
• United States
25 Dec 10
Hope is like a dandelion, you can step on it and mow it, but it won't die until you pull it out by the roots or poison it.