As for the sharing, you could always tell Christopher that doctors recommend it as a way to build Owen's immunity system (which they do, though probably not to that extent)

I keep telling him that I shared with my dog, Rusty, when I was little and I turned out OK. But then I think that might not be the most convincing argument.

I'm more worried about him pulling the cat's tail than eating after the dogs, frankly. My priorities may be skewed.

Leif used to gobble down dry dog food any chance he could get.

Aidan likes cat food.

I'd be more worried about the cat's tail too. Cats retaliate.

Okay, getting to work now. Seriously. I'll catch up again later. Hugs, hairpats and ~ma.

I'm pretty sure most toddlers who cohabit with dogs have ingested a gallon or two of doggie drool. Poor Christopher. I can totally get his squick, but I think your attitude is the sane one, Cashmere. It's not like you're ever going to completely eliminate this practice, unless you get rid of the dogs or the kid.

As for flying with kids, alone? EEEEEeeeeeeek. Scott and I *still* haven't taken our kids on planes, and they no longer require a metric ton of equipment and supplies in tow. I don't blame you, Susan. The odds are, Annabel would be okay if Daddy left, because she would have been in Alabama with him for a while. But it sounds like it would be a lot of wear and tear on you, and I don't think it would have been something I would have done. A few times, Ben and I stayed with my folks at their cottage for an extra long weekend, while Scott returned home, so he could go to work. Ben seemed to understand our explanation that Daddy went home, and we'd go home to him in a few days. There was no flying involved though, so it was a totally different situation.

We've never flown with kids. We've done the 12 hour car drive, but no flying yet.

I read a very interesting study about children and asthma. It seems that kids who live in antiseptically-clean environments have much more trouble with asthma and their immune systems than the kids who live out on the farm surrounded by animal dander and dust. I reckon sharing dog food is not too bad, but I'd draw the line somewhere before playing in the kitty litter.

(sings) Nicole and co-worker, sitting in a tree...

I'm with Katrina. A little dog spit, a little dirt...these things build character...and immunities. (this from the woman who's dog is licking her as she types, so take that for what it is worth.)

I'm pretty sure most toddlers who cohabit with dogs have ingested a gallon or two of doggie drool.

Okay, not stool.

I feel a bit better now (though I'm definitely on the side of squicked by animal spit).

I read a very interesting study about children and asthma. It seems that kids who live in antiseptically-clean environments have much more trouble with asthma and their immune systems than the kids who live out on the farm surrounded by animal dander and dust.

I read that study too. As someone who grew up asthmatic with cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits, mice, and 3 siblings, I'm skeptical of how big a factor this is.

Not squicked by animal spit, although not particularly fond of it.