This is a rat terrier puppy not to be confused with the most awesome show, “Terriers” on FX that you probably aren’t watching but really should. Anyway, I posted that picture for all of you who were completely unaware of their cuteness previously.

That adorable creature (not that exactly one, mind you) is what will probably be joining my household in the next year or so. You see, more than anything on the planet Maggie wants her very own puppy. We made the deal with her that she has to be reading proficiently and able to read the entire list of ingredients on (I’m tricky! Not organic!) a bag of dog food.

She has made all the promises of watering, feeding, training, picking up poop, etc. And, after approximately 1,235,323 hours of Animal Planet’s Dog 101 she made the educated decision that the dog must be a rat terrier.

It doesn’t help that her father also wants a rat terrier.

Me? I’d prefer a mastiff or German shepherd, something large, strong and intimidating. Nope. I’ve been told they “poop footballs” and who wouldn’t prefer the intelligent, lap sized with the heart of a lion, adorable rat terrier?

We already spend too much time at a local wholesale pet supply store. We’re either picking up fish food, turtle food, chinchilla food, cat food, dog food, kitty litter and the ickiest of all crickets to feed Maggie’s scorpion.

It never fails, even on a trip to the store that is meant for ONLY purchasing crickets Maggie will drag us down the aisle with all the dog products. She doesn’t even have a dog yet and it’s already destined to be the most decorated, well-dressed, pet on the block and probably the one with the largest collection of toys as well. Then there are the pet grooming supplies. Maggie has a well thought out list right down to the scent of doggy shampoo she likes the best.

I’m fairly certain that her level of obsession for her soon-to-be pet will only be rivaled by Chickie’s devotion to her beloved Oy and Oliver.