Over the past few years, my family has bid farewell to both of our beloved dogs. The final goodbye was heart-wrenching; they were cherished members of our household. For almost 13 years, they enriched my life, my husband’s life, and the lives of our children.
Since their passing, we’ve welcomed a rabbit that resides in a comfortable cage in our backyard, along with a fish that swims in a bowl by the kitchen sink. When compared to our dogs, these pets are less engaging but significantly easier to care for. While I’m not suggesting that low-maintenance is the only benefit of having a pet, I do appreciate that I no longer have to vacuum up pet hair from the carpet.
As a mother of four, I’ve noticed my priorities regarding pets have changed. My children now create enough mess for the family, and they wag their tails, so to speak, when I return home from work—more accurately, when they come home from school. I admit, children may not replace the unconditional love of a puppy, but they’re certainly less likely to leave unpleasant surprises in the yard.
When our dogs, Max and Bella, were puppies, we enrolled them in a training class where they learned to sit and occasionally come when called. However, they never quite mastered leash walking, and heeling was a distant dream. They were wonderful dogs, truly, but when it came to training, they were more of a “C” average. Nevertheless, the time and energy we invested in their training significantly contributed to a harmonious household.
Sure, they chewed on cabinet fronts and left their mark on the window sills with their teeth. One memorable occasion involved them tearing up half of our living room carpet. Yet, the basic training—like learning to sit—was invaluable.
Who enters into a relationship with a new pet expecting it to be without challenges? Pets are not chosen for their ability to maintain a pristine home or to avoid stepping in messes. We bring them into our lives for the joy of having a furry companion who reciprocates our affection. We often hope they will act as protectors, although in reality, they’d probably let a burglar take our TV if it meant scoring a bag of treats.
Another reason for acquiring a dog is that it serves as an excellent precursor to parenthood. While animals and children are not identical, both require care and attention. Caring for dogs, cats, and even rabbits provides better preparation for parenting than the outdated practice of carrying around a sack of flour as if it were a baby.
Now that I have the children for whom I was preparing, I find myself questioning the necessity of adding another dog to our family. My kids often ask if we can adopt another dog, and while we all love them dearly, I ponder whether it’s truly essential. Perhaps, as a family well-versed in parenting, we should consider a pet that demands less attention.
Evaluating Potential Family Pets
To assist fellow busy parents, I’ve compiled a straightforward list for evaluating potential family pets. There’s a fleeting window between ages 9 and 12 when children can handle most of a pet’s needs before their interests shift to dating and texting. If you’re considering a high-maintenance pet, ensure you also have a pre-teen available to help.
Here’s a brutally honest breakdown of common family pets:
- Dog = Mobile Poop-Dispenser. Not only must you clean up after them, but you also have to find the mess first.
- Cat = Hairball Carpet-Bomber. Hairballs occur when cat vomit and shower drain clogs converge.
- Goldfish = Future Toilet-Sushi. One moment they’re swimming, the next they’re flush-ready.
- Rabbit = Fluffy Escape Artist. Rabbits long for freedom and possess the agility to achieve it.
- Bird = Flying Poop-Dispenser. They create messes from above. Is that what you want?
- Hamster = Culturally Acceptable Mouse. However, they’re still basically a mouse.
- Hermit Crab = Almost a Rock. If you’re clever, you’ll add a decorative shell and pretend it’s always sleeping.
There are also lizards, ferrets, and even exotic pets like pigs. Regardless, they all share one commonality: you’re responsible for cleaning up after them. It’s no coincidence that “pets” is just one typo away from “pest.”
In my family, I’m sure various animals, if not all of them, will eventually find their way into our home. They may be disruptive, noisy, or even sadly float in their bowls before we bring them home. However, having pets provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn compassion, care, and the essential skill of managing someone else’s mess—valuable skills for navigating life.
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In summary, pets provide invaluable lessons in responsibility and empathy, preparing children for the complexities of human relationships.