Comments on: Negotiate Negotiate Negotiate

By: Dale E. Taylor

Dale E. Taylor — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:54:31 +0000

My dear Lou,
A most interesting process indeed. As an avid Oakley in the morning commuter, as most folks, I feel like I know you.
Now I just was remarried a few years back to an angel and in so doing, inherited 2 boys now 13 yrs and 9 yrs. Being a step-dad has its moments of course and one can’t necessarily win on that front – but at least I can have some input to their life development.
Being a TV broadcast type (VP Programming & Production at YTV and set up TreeHouse etc) in my 9 years there pre-CORUS) I commissioned something called HAMMY the HAMSTER for those kids who could escape to a wonderful world of imagination and dream. TreeHouse I came up with as a daypart for YTV as a happy destination, especially for those little ones who didn’t have a tree or a backyard.
Your Madelaine is a lucky little girl – but pets or rent-a-pets is a compromise too.
We have 4 dogs, 4 horses, a pony – and none of which get the attention they deserve. Pets are too often the shiny thing for the moment and then oftentimes ignored. Congrats for staying the course albeit animals can contribute so very much (aside from the related obligatory tasks of their care & maintenance) IF the household is willing to have the tail wagging the dog. A grand solution I’d say!
If ever your little one wants to ride on a wee gentle Shetland that looks like a hamster with legs, pls e and it would be our pleasure to arrange a visit.
Best regards,
Dale

By: Susan

Susan — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:16:03 +0000

Hi Lou,
For some unfathomable reason, I felt the urge to google your name to see what you’ve been up to. Congratulations Man! You’ve made it! However, this story about your daughter nearly broke my heart. Let me ask you this, what good is all the money if you can’t get your daughter Maddie a puppy? This is her CHILDHOOD.. the best years of her life, and yours too! Isn’t this what it’s all about? Why not make this the BEST investment of your life? And while you’re at it.. what about that nice house on a quiet street near a beautiful park, where she can play with the neighborhood kids and where you might take the dog for a walk or a run. This might be a good time to buy real estate. Oh.. and don’t forget the piano lessons. She’s already six!

Your tough loving Q.

By: DvidRafal

DvidRafal — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:51:39 +0000

Sorry,but you & wife, remind me of my brother in law (Univ.Prof)and his wife.(tough RN) who needed a dog at your stage of life.
Black Lab Sidgebe was intelligent and was a boon compagnion for their 3 daughters. It was necessary to walk him 2 times daily, and the University Prof. was therefore obliged to get outdoors for at least 15 min.of brisk walking until the girls were more responsible….8-12

You ought to go for a brisk walk daily…A Lab will add years of happiness and good health to you and wife… Madelaine needs to see that you are physically active and capable of an interest in your own good health…Sidgebe lived for 16 years

Best Regards
PS:I had a rabbitt Martha for 5 years (a gift from a girlfriend)I would not recommend either for you

By: FINANCE MAJOR

FINANCE MAJOR — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:42:33 +0000

For the longest while I too wanted a dog just like your daughter Madeline. I wish my dad would have negotiated with me like you did with your daughter. My father’s reason for him not purchasing a dog for me was that I would be busy with school and working. The dog would be neglected. My dad did and still does have a valid argument. I agree with your decision that you had made and I believe your daughter would be much happier now that she has agreed to your bargain.

By: Pet Cetera - HAPPYCAPITALISM.COM by Lou Schizas

Pet Cetera - HAPPYCAPITALISM.COM by Lou Schizas — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:58:35 +0000

[...] I had a real hoot with all of the comments that followed my blog on negotiating my way out of acquiring a dog for my daughter Madeline (original article here). [...]

By: matthewp

matthewp — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:08:00 +0000

I would say that Madeline drives a hard bargin. That being said, I would agree that you have made a great deal that satisfies both you and your daughter. The $1000 is a minimal cost compaired to the cost of taking care of a pet & time required to do so. It also keeps your daughter happy and stops you from feeling bad over having to say no to a pet.

Good work on doing the due diligence and researching the Guinea Pig. From a former owner of two, I would say you have made a wise decision! The animals are easy and cheap to maintain compaired to a dog or even a cat but the smell and noise they produce is not one I would want to deal with again. Plus most children love to play and watch the pets, but do not like to do the dirty work, which often leaves the parent with that joy.

I would say you have come up with a great solution that satifies every party involved.

Cheers!

By: jyeilding

jyeilding — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:16:40 +0000

Great idea! I wish I had negiotated a similar deal prior to getting our puppy…