Parents: is this a good way to get what I want?

Question

I have done my research and I would like to get a miniature donkey, or two since they like company. I know if just go up to my parents and say it, they will turn me down. Instead I am typing up a very long report on why I want a mini donkey, how I will do everything for it and pay for all of it, or at least half and everything else that will go into this decision. I am wondering if you parents think this is a good way to do it. Would you at least consider it if your kid wrote a report like this (and assume you have the space and everything for a mini donkey) or am I just being crazy?

I want to show my parents I am mature enough to take care of a mini donkey, and I thought this was a mature way.

Answer 1

Unless you live on a farm or ranch, I'd still say no.  My daughter used to bug me about a miniature horse after she saw one on a farm.  Well, since we live in the suburbs it had to be a "no."

If you do live on a property with adequate space and facilities then I'd say you need to start earning money first.  At least a year's worth of vet and food bills in addition to the cost of the animal.  Then I may consider it.

Answer 2

I am not a parent and I am only twelve years old , but I did a presentation on my laptop on why I want a dog and how I plan to look after it for my parents. I even bought a toy dog and I treated it like a real dog and took it for walks and pretended to feed it and play with it for about two months and eventually my parents saw how determined I was to get a dog and they got me one from the rescue centre. So it worked with my parents, it could work with your parents.  

Answer 3

if it was a dog, or a horse maybe...but not a mini donkey...sorry sweetie... it is a crazy thing to want that as a pet.

Answer 4

I wouldn't write a report. Talk to them, tell them all the pros and cons. You can even show them an article about a girl who rides her donkey to school and her father said, "I feel really safe b/c the donley will kick anyone who wants to hurt her-" but she went to a single room school, so  maybe not. If you can present yourself maturely, it's better than writing a report.  

Answer 5

If we lived on a farm, had excess money to care for it, and you were trustworthy, I might consider it.

Otherwise, no way. I'd commend you on your efforts (especially if the report was well written), but I'd still say no.

Answer 6

It would depend completely on where you lived.  If you are in a city, legally you may not even be able to have one.  While mini, there are still things like city ordinances that define what kind snd # of animals can be in a household, those houses where theres zillions of cats, or dangerous reptiles for example.  

Answer 7

take small steps.

i was offered to have a rabbit, and my parents [well my dad] said no to it.

he said if we get a rabbit, the dog goes.

if its a situation like that, just act more and more mature.

make a deal with them.

tell them you will do EVERYTHING for the donkey[s], all they have to do is provide space for them. sound equal enough? :p

take this as an example:

i am getting a new cell phone, but my dad isnt getting us unlimited until he knows how we handle it.

so dont forget to feed it and things like that.

spend lots of time with them, so your parents see you are very appeciative of them.

okay, i really hope this helps.

good luck!

Answer 8

You would have to pay for all of it

Answer 9

I'd admire my child's initiative and the work that went into it.  But my answer would still be no.  There are other costs other than purchase and food--veterinarian bills, someone to watch it when you go out of town, what are you going to do with your pets when you go off to college.  If your parents do not own your house, there may be restrictions on animals.  If you really want one, wait until you have your own home.

Answer 10

While they make fun pets, the on-going health issues mean that they are EXPENSIVE pets.

After the intitial cost, you have to factor in the annual vaccinations, quarterly wormings as well as having their hooves trimmed every 3 months.

That is for a HEALTHY mini.  If they get sick the vet bills can be enormous.

You have to think about the cost of having an equine vet coming to your house.  Your parents probably don't want donkey p**p in their car.  

They need a barn or some form of shelter from the elements.  You can't just leave them outside.  They need shade on a hot day and warmth on a cold day.  

You need to investigate the costs of these things and add them to your report.  Your parents will know if you are making a report that only presents the positive points and omits the negatives.

Good luck!  If you have the room and can afford them, they make great pets.  They bond emotionally with their owner and are actually cute.