Command Decision Part II

So, when I eliminate something from my life, I'm going to call it a 'Command Decision', and give it a number. Let's see how many of things I can eliminate from my life by the time I get sick of doing this blog thing.

Today, the thing that will be eliminated is my dream of ever owning a dog. Sometimes, people ask me if I'm a dog person or a cat person. Well, I've never owned a pet in my life, so I've never known the answer to this question, but I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm a cat person. It's not that I particularly like cats better than dogs. It's just that I think a cat suits my lifestyle better than a dog. Here's my reasoning:

• Dogs need affection. I'm not affectionate. I have enough things in my life that need TLC that I can't spare love for a furball. I don't think I particularly need its love either. I just want a little cuddle bug who'll come warm my lap when I'm watching a movie, or reading, or crocheting.
  
• Dogs need exercise. I'm not into getting up and taking the dog for a walk. I like going on walks, but I don't want to be compelled to go in really cold weather. I don't smoke, so I'm not used to being outside for no real reason when your breath starts freezing.
  
• Dogs are vengeful. Dogs will eat and basically destroy your home if you aren't there for them (walks, attention - stuff like that). The SPCA won't even let you have a dog unless someone is going to be home with it for so many hours a day. Like I can put up with that crap.
• Dogs need to be 'let out'. I live in an apartment, I can't let anything out, unless by out - you mean onto the balcony. And I don't want any presents out there.
• Dogs shed. That's the rule - nothing that globbers and nothing that sheds in my house at the same time. I already have the slobberer, so decision already made.
• Dogs bark. Someone in my apartment building recently got a dog and the freaking thing is driving me bonkers. I'm not a mean person, but it sure is annoying.

Don't get me wrong. Dogs are great. I had a dog I loved once, and he loved me too, but he was a dog that didn't do any of the things I've listed, except shed, because he couldn't help it. He used to run 50 km/hr by the car and sit by my feet, and sneak out and into the house when no one was looking. He was a soft spoken quiet sort of fellow with a long nose and personality like Hobbes (Calvin and Hobbes), and I loved him. Yeah, and he's gone now, but I'm left with the memory of what a great animal he was.

However, it doesn't change my mind about it. I never plan to get a dog as long as I live. I probably won't get a cat either, but I don't want to say something final like that. One day I might be an old woman who wants to own several dozen cats. What? I might be.