This is a story of a family with nine children ...no, ten children. Oh, for the sake of not unintentionally offending anyone, let me just say fifteen children. I don't presently know anyone who has fifteen children.

The fifteen children all wanted for their parents to get a dog.

The parents explained that they neither had the time nor money to care for a dog.

But, the fifteen children continued to beg ...so, at Christmas, what do you think they found under their tree?

Yes, you are right this time.  

Well, half right anyway!  They found two things.

As you guessed, they found a dog under their tree.  But, as they huddled there beneath the tree with their new pet, they also found a lecture.

Lectures were never considered a gift ...but, anytime their parents gave in to one of their wishes, it almost always meant a lecture was also a part of the deal.

"It's all of your dog ...and each of you must participate with chores and in sharing the responsibility," said Dad.

Mom adds, "Your Dad could not afford to get a good healthy dog, so we went to the rescue mission to get you a dog."

The oldest girl asks, "What do you mean, the dog is not healthy?"

Mom looks at her daughter, "Well, we weren't told it was sick ...but your dad and I have been up most of the night with the dog, cleaning up vomit."

Dad addresses the children with a firm look, "Yes, you will all be expected to help out.  I know all of you have other chores, but you all insisted you could also find time to take care of a dog.  Yes, you will be busy with other things, but whoever happens to be passing by when the dog vomits, will be expected to clean it up."