We’ve had to say goodbye to both of our dogs in recent years, and it was an incredibly tough farewell. They were not just pets; they were cherished members of our family. For nearly 13 years, they were an integral part of my life, my husband’s life, and our kids’ lives as well.
Now that our beloved pups have passed on, we’re left with a rabbit in a cozy cage in the backyard and a fish swimming in a bowl near the kitchen sink. In comparison, these pets are certainly less interactive and engaging than our dogs, but they are also far easier to care for. I’m not suggesting that low maintenance is the only reason to have a pet, but I do appreciate not having to vacuum up fur from the carpet anymore.
As a mother of four, I’ve realized that my pet priorities have evolved. My children now create the messes, and they greet me enthusiastically when I come home—well, more accurately, when they return from school. I’ll admit, kids might not replace the unconditional love of a puppy, but at least they are less likely to leave “surprises” on the front lawn.
When our dogs, Max and Bella, were pups, we took them to puppy school, where they learned the basics like sitting and occasionally coming when called. Walking on a leash? That was an uphill battle. Heeling? Forget it. They were wonderful dogs, but let’s be real—puppy school isn’t exactly a rigorous academic institution. Despite that, my time and energy spent training them made a significant difference in maintaining a happy household.
Sure, they chewed on the cabinet fronts, and the window sills bore the marks of their playful teeth. Oh, and that time they destroyed half of the living room carpet? Classic puppy behavior. But their training in simple commands like “sit” was a huge win.
No one enters into a relationship with a new dog expecting a perfectly smooth journey. We don’t choose pets for the sake of a spotless home or to avoid stepping in an unpleasant surprise. We bring them into our lives for the joy of companionship and the hope that they might ward off intruders—though, let’s be honest, they’d probably just let a burglar take the TV in exchange for a treat.
Getting a dog can also serve as a crash course in parenting. Sure, animals and children aren’t identical—kids tend to experiment with a wider range of forbidden items and have their own unique messes. However, caring for pets is definitely more effective preparation for parenthood than carrying around a sack of flour for a high school health class and pretending it’s your baby named Chad. Just me?
Now that I have the children I was preparing for, I find myself questioning the necessity of getting another dog. My kids often ask if we can adopt another dog someday, and while our hearts are still open to the idea, I wonder if a pet that requires less upkeep might be a better fit for our family.
To help in this decision-making process, I’ve compiled a straightforward list that busy parents should consider when thinking about a new family pet. Remember, there’s a sweet spot between ages 9 and 12 when your children can handle almost all of a pet’s needs—until dating or texting becomes more interesting than caring for Fido. So, if you lean towards adopting a pet that requires a lot of attention, make sure you have a pre-teen ready to pitch in.
Here’s a brutally honest breakdown of common family pets:
- Dog: Mobile Poop-Dispenser. Not only do you have to pick up after them, but you also have to find the poop first.
- Cat: Hairball Carpet-Bomber. Hairballs are what happens when cat vomit and the gunk clogging your shower drain have a baby.
- Goldfish: Future Toilet-Sushi. Fish are masters of disappearing. One moment they’re swimming happily, the next they’re ready for a flush.
- Rabbit: Fluffy Escape Artist. Rabbits yearn for freedom and have the jumping prowess to achieve it, despite your family’s desire to cuddle them.
- Bird: Flying Poop-Dispenser. They drop their mess from above. Is that what you want in your home?
- Hamster: Culturally Acceptable Mouse. But, let’s face it, it’s still basically a mouse.
- Hermit Crab: Almost a Rock. If you’re smart, you’ll buy a cage and a decorative shell from the craft store and pretend he’s just resting.
Of course, there are also lizards, ferrets, and even exotic pets like cockroaches and pigs. They all share one thing in common: their waste is your responsibility. It’s no coincidence that “pets” is just one typo away from “pests.”
In our family, I have no doubt that we’ll eventually welcome some of these creatures, if not all. They may be noisy, destructive, or even disappointingly lifeless before we get home from the pet store. But the truth is, having a pet is an excellent way to teach kids valuable life skills. Compassion, care, and even the ability to handle someone else’s mess are essential skills in human interactions.
Summary
Pets teach families essential life skills, from compassion to responsibility. While every pet comes with its own challenges, they prepare children for the complexities of human relationships. As families consider adding a new member, it’s vital to weigh the responsibilities involved and find the right fit for their unique situation.
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