It’s a familiar scene in many households when kids pose that fateful question: “Can we get a dog?” This moment can send shivers down any parent’s spine, as it signifies a big responsibility. However, one dad decided to tackle this dilemma with a unique twist—a “family dog contract” that has gone viral.
In a Reddit post titled “Dog Agreement by Hesitant Dad,” user MikeSmith31 shared his clever response to the dog dilemma: a detailed contract that his children would need to sign. The terms covered everything from the size of the dog to the specific area of the yard it can relieve itself.
The contract starts off with a clear condition: “We can get a dog if everyone agrees to the following terms.” First up, “Dad never has to pick up dog poop. Ever. The children will be responsible for picking up after the dog three times a week to Dad’s satisfaction.”
Next, the dad laid out specific requirements for the dog, such as being under 15 pounds, not shedding (good luck with that!), and having a designated poop spot in the side yard. Plus, the children must bathe the dog whenever it gets stinky and the furry friend can’t slobber or have a runny nose—“All parties agree that those kinds of dogs are gross,” it states.
Additional Rules Include:
- The dog must not scratch the floor, with no exceptions—whether through nail clipping or other means.
- If the dog makes a mess inside, only strong cleaning supplies may be used if natural methods fail.
- Dad retains full veto power over the dog’s name.
- The dog shall never be referred to as a child or sibling; it must always be recognized as a dog.
- The dog will not feature prominently in family Christmas cards, merely appearing as a background character.
Most importantly, the kids must promise to love the dog forever and never grow tired of it. The contract emphasizes that the dog is primarily their responsibility throughout its life.
The Reddit community reacted with laughter, with many predicting that the dad would end up loving the dog more than he anticipated. Although some deemed the contract a bit harsh, it serves as a humorous yet realistic approach to preparing kids for the commitment of pet ownership.
In a follow-up comment, MikeSmith31 revealed his family did go ahead and adopt a dog shortly after signing the contract. “Two weeks later, we welcomed a 3-year-old fluffy mutt from a shelter weighing 15 lbs., house-trained and not shedding!” he wrote. They named him Charlie—no veto power was needed. The family now adores Charlie, who has truly become a wonderful addition to their lives.
It seems that a family dog contract might just be a brilliant way to set clear expectations before bringing a pet into the home.
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In summary, this dad’s humorous contract not only entertained many but also offered a practical framework for kids to understand the commitment of dog ownership.