Just Another Manic Mommy

Dear Manic Mommy: How can I get my parents to buy me a dog? I know the reason they won't get me one, because my mom said I don't keep my room clean. I wrote my mom and dad a letter saying that if I keep my room clean until my friend's dog has her puppies then I should get one, right? But they don't want to hear it. I also said that if the house continues to be unkempt they could take the dog back. Reply quickly.

Manic Mommy: Oh honey, you have chosen the wrong advice columnist to ask this question because I am soooo on your mom's side on this one! My kids ask me for a dog all of the time too and I tell my kids the same thing your mom tells you: I don't want to hear it. They can't even make their own beds so I KNOW they are never going to care for a puppy. We've even had my mom and dad's dog, Lovey, spend the summer with us, and guess who took care of Lovey all summer long? Yep, me. Unless your parents want a dog too, I'm very sorry to break the news to you that you're probably not going to get one, no matter how clean your room is. But you should still clean your room!