text: Occasional boredom in an otherwise exciting life: Husband claims I’m as emotionless as the Terminator
  I took Chopper to the grooming salon today for a complete shave – an unforgivable act by AKC Cavalier King Charles standards. It was necessary; he’s had a run in with ticks that refuse to die regardless of months of bi-weekly tick bathes and front line medicine.
  As I was signing him in at the grooming salon, he did his typical whining fret that he wasn’t someplace cooler like PetSmart. A lady to my left started fretting equally over my dog – cooing and giving him poor dog looks and finally asked if he was crying. To which I promptly replied no and continued filling out the form.
  I take a seat and give him a few treats after he has calmed down. He settles and we both wait for the groomer who finally comes out and informs fretting lady that her dog is ready but had 4 ticks. She flies into panic mode and inquires what color are the ticks. Black. I tell Groomer that my dog has a really bad tick problem and must be completely shaved.
  Groomer leaves and brings back her dog and she again asks what color the ticks are. Black. She leans over to ask me how to get rid of ticks and I say I have no idea but I’m having Chopper shaved so we can see them better and aid easier removal. She freaks out a little more and finally leaves.
  In recounting the story to my husband later, he determined to buy me a set of black sunglasses with leather fingerless gloves and call me the Terminator – because I couldn’t remember what kind of dog fretting lady even had and showed no interest in her concern for my dog.
  I should mention Husband works for PetSmart and deals with fretting dog ladies on a daily basis. I am completely impressed that he does his job with such a cheerful, patient attitude.
  We don't have a dog - and thanks for providing me with one more reason why not for when the Boys start asking! Also, we live in a built-up city, go away a lot, and I can't bear the thought of having to carry those little bags around. But ticks are good. Ticks will work as a reason.
  We are fortunate to have friends from my husband's work that are happy to watch our dog every time we go away. Otherwise travel would be a real pain.
  In your case, I can give you plenty more reasons why not to have a dog if you get questioned later by the boys.