(Even if you have already had a dog, hamster... and currently have fish and a dog.)
1. Beg and plead with Mom and Dad for months for a new pet.
2. Ask for a dog, cat, iguana, snake (yes, Lauren), hamster, ferret, bird.
3. Mom and Dad say NO because we take care of them in the long run.
4. Begging and pleading get old and Mom and Dad (mainly Mom) cave in.
5. Enormous smiles/grand excitement because we agree on a hermit crab.
6. Children go on the computer for hours to research all about hermit crabs.
7. Parents say they're not helping ONE bit or spending ONE penny on them.
8. Drive to Petco, no hermit crabs.
9. Drive to PetSmart #1, no hermit crabs.
10. Children are sad and moping around like a lost puppy.
11. Parents try to be supportive and encouraging.
12. Children look online for a hermit crab. No luck.
13. Disappointment once again lasting for several days.
14. A week later, run errands and need dog food- stop in PetSmart #2.
15. Children decide they don't want pretty painted ones. They will paint their own.
16. Children look at hermit crabs and finally decide to go-for-it. Mom sighs.
17. Make a choice along w/all their housing needs after way too long at the pet store.
18. Children fork over $30 cash each=crazy happy faces. Joy in their hearts.
19. Then children worry about them being in the car too long.
20. Absolute pure joy when home and name them "Hermie" and "Bubble's."
21. Set up their homes carefully. Still in awe and parents know they will soon outgrow the joy.
22. Make mess of kitchen table playing w/them and feeding them corn flakes.
23. Put them up in their room.
24. Forget about them.*
25. Realize they are not fun anymore. Complete neglect happening here, people.
*Mom/Dad are hoping they are still alive so they don't stink up the entire upstairs.
