Growing up, my mother was a huge animal lover, but she always discouraged me from getting a pet. At first, I couldn’t understand why. But as I grew older, I realized that her hesitance was tied to two deeply emotional reasons. First, she believed that owning a pet was a lot of work, and that it was a responsibility that required a significant amount of time and effort. Second, she had experienced the pain of losing a beloved pet, which left her feeling incomplete and heartbroken for an entire year. Her fear of experiencing that pain again was so strong that she made a conscious decision to never go through it again. As much as she loved animals, she didn’t want her kids to suffer the loss that she had to endure.
Despite her reservations, I can’t help but think that owning a pet could have brought so much joy and companionship into our lives, and I often wonder what we missed out on.
As the owner of a cat and dog for the past eight years, I know that one day I may have to admit that my mother was right. However, despite the emotional and physical work involved, owning these pets has been incredibly rewarding. Whether you have a cat, dog, fish, bird, reptile, or any other type of pet, it’s important to consider the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner – from providing them with the essentials to advocating for their health and well-being.
If you’re considering becoming a dog owner, there are 7 things I would strongly encourage you to consider. (Although cats and dogs are the most common pets, these considerations should be applied to all potential or current pets).
1. Pets die, too.
Let’s face it, pets are not immortal. As much as we wish they could live forever, the harsh reality is that they will eventually pass away. It’s a difficult truth that every pet owner must come to terms with. We can shower them with love, spoil them with treats, and buy them the most expensive toys, but it won’t change the inevitable.
However, the anticipation of losing a beloved pet makes us appreciate every single moment we have with them even more. We cherish their presence in our lives and make the most of every day. Whether it’s an extra walk in the park, a new cat condo, or a bacon strip for our furry best friend, we indulge in these small moments of joy that bring us closer to our non-human family members.
2. They are vulnerable and dependent.
If pets had the ability to leave abusive situations, they would. This is why stories and images of mistreated animals often stir up so much anger and emotion within us. These innocent creatures are defenseless and rely entirely on us to provide them with a safe and loving environment. As pet owners, we must recognize the responsibility that comes with taking on this role and ensure that we treat our furry friends with the compassion and respect they deserve. By doing so, we not only create a better life for our pets, but also promote a more empathetic and caring society as a whole.
3. They don’t care about materialistic things.
Our pets don’t have the same value system that we do. They don’t care about fancy bowls or designer leashes, and they certainly don’t care about the costumes we buy for them. These things don’t add any real value to their lives, and they don’t understand the concept of status or luxury.
What they do care about is the simple things in life – like a good meal or a cozy spot to rest. For example, my Great Pyrenees and Lab mix, Bandit, would choose a strip of bacon over a $270 dog bed any day. And my cat, Malleus, would rather curl up on a piece of mail than lounge in the expensive cat condo I splurged on.
It’s important for us to recognize that our pets have different priorities and desires. Instead of focusing on the materialistic things, we should focus on providing them with the basic necessities of life and the love and attention they crave. After all, it’s the simple things that make our pets truly happy.
4. They rely solely on you for their needs.
Pets are not just furry companions we can shower with love and affection. They are living, breathing organisms that require more than just cuddles to survive. Without proper care and attention, they won’t be able to meet their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. Something as simple as filling their water bowl or giving them their daily dose of Kibble is crucial for their survival.
5. You’ll lose your pet (at least once).
It’s a pet owner’s worst nightmare – losing your furry companion. No matter how careful you are, it can happen to anyone. But don’t let that deter you from the joy of pet ownership. There are steps you can take to increase your chances of a happy reunion. Microchipping your pet is a simple and effective way to ensure they can be identified and returned to you if they are lost. And if you really want to be extra cautious, there are GPS locators that can be attached to your pet’s collar.
As a pet owner myself, I know firsthand the heart-wrenching feeling of losing a pet. The fear, the uncertainty, the guilt – it’s a heavy burden to bear. But with the right precautions in place, you can rest a little easier knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep your furry friend safe.
6. They feel stress and anxiety, too.
Pets can experience stress and anxiety just like humans do. Separation anxiety, in particular, is a common issue that many pet owners face. It can manifest in various ways, such as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or refusing to eat or drink. After we adopted Bandit from a local shelter, it took time and patience for him to feel secure in his new home and trust that we weren’t going to leave him behind.
It’s essential for pet owners to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in their pets and take the necessary steps to alleviate it, such as creating a safe and comfortable environment, providing mental and physical stimulation, and seeking professional help if needed.
7. To them, there’s no such thing as delayed gratification.
Pets are creatures of impulse and spontaneity, living in the moment with no regard for delayed gratification. They act on their desires without considering the consequences, and we love them all the more for it. Bandit, for instance, would stop in the middle of a busy road just to scratch an itch, his tail wagging with delight as we stumbled over him on the leash.
But while they may not understand the concept of waiting, our pets teach us patience in return. The love and companionship they offer is not something that can be rushed or hurried, but must be nurtured over time. As we learn to care for them, we learn to appreciate the small moments and simple pleasures in life. And in doing so, we become better, more compassionate humans.
Owning a pet is a life-changing experience that comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. It requires time, effort, and resources to provide the best possible care for our furry friends. But the love, companionship, and joy they bring into our lives is priceless. From their ability to sense our emotions to their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love, pets have a way of making our lives better in countless ways. As pet owners, it is our duty to ensure that our pets receive the care and attention they deserve, and in return, we can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching relationship with them.
What has been your experience as a pet owner? Have you encountered any of these harsh truths? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below!
