Family members are NOT for sale!

So, as many of you know, I am not a big animal person. Don't get me wrong, I am nice to them, and I tolerate them, but I am not a huge fan. Well, don't ask me why, but we do have a dog and a cat. The dog has become a problem lately. It is not his fault, he is actually a REALLY good dog, he doesn't chew anything, is fully potty trained, and obeys pretty well. Unfortunately, we don't have a fence, we live in an average sized house, I don't have a TON of patience for him, he annoys the kids, and he is always in the way. So, he mostly stays outside in his dog-run. I really just feel bad for him, we don't take care of him like we should, and with winter coming and a baby on the way, I just think he deserves a better home. Well, we decided to discuss it with our kids last week. This is how it went:
(Matt was on the floor wrestling with the kids while the dog kept trying to join in and lick them, which of course made them whine about the dog, as usual)
Matt: Should we just sell Monty (the dog)?
McKinley & Mason: Yep.
Matt: Really? You guys don't want him?
McKinley & Mason: No, we don't like him, he is annoying, just sell him.
Matt: Okay, are you sure?
McKinley & Mason: Yes, sell him Dad.
Matt: Okay, McKinley take his collar off.
McKinley: Okay. (She takes his collar off)
Matt: Okay, open the door and let him out. He can just go.
McKinley: NO! I really do love him, I don't want him to go (sobbing).
Matt: Really, you love him now?
McKinley: YES!
Mason: NO! (Mason proceeds to open the door, let the dog out, and slam the door closed amid McKinley's hysterical crying)
McKinley: I want him BACK! We can't let him go!
After some talking and convincing, Mason agreed that he should come back. They opened the door and of course the dog was just waiting on the porch for them to let him back in. I guess we won't be getting rid of the dog THAT easily. The next day I took the kids to the mall and Costco (in the same day, big mistake!). They were not behaving by the time we got to Costco and they could tell that Mom was REALLY annoyed. I warned them that they needed to behave, which prompted Mason to whisper to McKinley "we better watch out and do what she says or Mom will sell us like she wants to sell Monty!" Later that day McKinley had to be sent to time-out in her room. She sat there yelling at me through the door, and all the while Mason would run by and yell back to her "Mom's gonna sell you! Mom's gonna sell you!" Apparently Mason had taken the whole idea of getting rid of annoying family members to heart. After all, they include Monty in their prayers, we take him on hikes and family trips, and as far as the KIDS are concerned (this doesn't include me), he is part of the family - whether we like it or not. SO, I guess we are stuck with the dog. I don't want my kids to live in fear that they will be sold if they are annoying - or do I? :)
HOWEVER, if you would like a wonderful potty-trained 2-year-old boxer who LOVES kids and comes with dog pillows, kennel, and anything you need to take care of him, let me know, I am not opposed to him 'accidentally' disappearing in the middle of the night!

PS - this photo is like a year and a half old, I couldn't find any with the dog and I haven't taken pictures in forever!

PPS - DON'T forget! This blog will be going private in a week and a half! If you haven't left a comment with your e-mail so I can send an invite do so ASAP! I don't want to leave anyone out! And don't worry, I won't publish your comment if it contains your e-mail address!