Dear Mommy and Daddy,

I was wondering if Charlie and Bisquit could stay at our house when Gramma and Grampa go on their cruise in early November.

Usually when Gramma and Grampa go on a cruise they would leave their dogs in a kennel. As you may or may not already know kennels cost a lot of money. Double A Veterinary in Wethersfield, Connecticut (their usual vet) costs at least 60 dollars a day for both dogs. I researched on the Double A website how much it costs but it never gave me an answer, so I went into further research. On average, one dog usually costs anywhere from 25-35 dollars a day. As Gramma and Grampa own two dogs the cost would double. Now add about 60 dollars per day (seven days) and you would end up with a total of about 420 dollars not including tax. We would not want to have Gramma and Grampa pay for something that is not necessary when we could take the dogs in.

We recently got new carpet and we would not want dogs shedding their fur on our new carpet! I agree with that so I am proposing to put the dogs in the room below mine because the carpet is older. There are many stains on that carpet already. Plus, the dogs have been potty trained so there will be no messes. The dogs also have crates and if they accidently go then I will clean up their crates and it will not get on the floor.

When we go out for the day I will give the dogs their normal breakfast, take them out, and give them a dog bone, to keep them busy when we are out of the house. I will pay for both of their bones. I will be taking the dogs out 3 to 5 times a day. Some of the times I give them a little run or a walk around Summer lane. I do realize that someone needs to clean up after the dogs and that job is also going to be mine. I know how to clean up after the dogs and I have done it many times before at Gramma and Grampa’s house. I will take the dogs out one at a time and both take them to the woods. For number 1 they will go farther into the woods. Number 2 they will in the fire pit so it is easier for me to clean up so I don’t have all the leaves in the way.

Charlie and Bisquit do bark when they see something outside, but I can shut the blinds. Honestly, I have been with these dogs for a long time and I realized that they don’t bark at everything. The proper punishment will be given if they bark.

I will also clean and brush them; I will do it in the shower (not with running water). I know that one of your concerns would be the money, but this will be totally free for you guys. The dogs will need:

A Crate (free)

A Blanket (free (not the ones at our house))

A Chain (free)

A spray bottle (free) if necessary

A collar (free)

Treats (free)

Dinner (free)

Bone (I will pay)

Breakfast (free)

Bags (free)

Shovel (free)

Leashes (free)

Water Bowl (free)

Dinner bowl (free)

As I said the dogs’ supplies will cost nothing to you.

I will give the dogs love and I will care for them. I will be totally responsible and I will try my hardest. I know how to take care of them and I feel like this can teach me a lot of responsibility. I realize that you think that dogs are dirty, they shed, they are messy, and it takes a lot of work, but I will clean after them and try to solve all of your concerns to make you comfortable.

So what do you say; you have as much time as you want.

Thank you so much. If you have any other concerns let me know and I will answer them in another letter.

With love Marisa,