Mother May I?

I found this in Zach's take home folder on the last day of school before spring break.

Dear Mom,
I would like a puppy.  Puppys are playful and sweet.  I also love dogs.  I will buy supplies with my money and walk him every day.  I'll train him to shake, stay and to be calm.  I'd give him all my love.  I'd feed him (pay a few dollars) name him and most people in our class have 2 dogs!  It will be my responsibility to take care of him.

Sincerely or love,
Zachary J

We talked about this on the way to the pet store to buy Emmie some food.  While there Zach decided that a bird would also make a nice pet.  Or maybe even a rabbit.  Then we bought Emmie's food and the bill came to over $60.  I told Zach that this bag will last for about a 6 weeks.  No problem, he said.  I reminded him that he has a hard time paying $3 for a container of fish food after the dog eats that.  But, it turns out that is different because I gave him that fish and he didn't pick that out himself so I should pay for the food.

In the end I said no.  It turns out that makes me MEAN!  I also just don't understand how much he REALLY loves animals.  AND, I don't trust him to be a really hard worker OR live up to his promises. And that is how spring break began...