Dear Dr Pat:
I wrote my parents a letter about why we should get a dog and my parents said not right now. My mom said it is mostly because the dog won’t get the attention it needs. I said we could always bring it to a dog sitter. They will not agree and I do not know why. Also, my friend just got a dog and she is bragging about it and it is making me stressed. What should I do?
Dr. Pat responds:
Having a dog is a big job. I know. I have a dog. Your mother is right to be sure the family is able to care for any pet before getting one. Taking a dog to a dog sitter is OK once in a while. But dog sitters are for special occasions, not for every day.
Maybe you can talk to your mom about borrowing a dog from someone who has one for a day or two. Borrowing a dog can be a great way of having much of the fun of a dog without as much responsibility. Many dog owners will be glad to have your help.
It is difficult to deal with a friend who brags. Three things that may help are:
- Say to yourself: "She is happy about her dog. There are lots of things about my life that are good, too."
- Smile and tell her how glad you are that she is enjoying her dog.
- Talk to your mom and dad about how to handle her and the stress you are feeling.
Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC is a clinical psychologist and a researcher. He is Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and Vice President - Research at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. He is also the CEO of the Strongest Families Institute, which provides mental health care to families across Canada.
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