I thought Animal Health Week would be a good opportunity to rant about my pet-less childhood and how it has affected me in my adulthood. When I see a sweet, friendly dog, or a cute, fluffy cat, I turn into a cooing clown, gushing the way an old woman might over a child.
Despite years of pleading, my parents never let us get a dog. I think it was a combination of my mother liking an impeccably tidy house (which I can appreciate now), the commitment having a dog entails, and my parents' worry that like many other parents, they would end up being the ones caring for the pet instead of their children. Despite a brief stint when I had a fish but was too traumatized to replace it after it died, my parents never caved, but did the next best thing. Our family became the pet-sitters on the street, looking after our neighbours' and friends' dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters when they went on vacation.
Looking back now, I see that it was the perfect compromise. We were able to experience the joys of having a pet, but also able to understand the responsibility it comes with. And just as everyone got tired of picking up after Fido, he would go home to his family. I remember it always being something to look forward to, knowing that Spencer the neighbours' golden lab would be spending the weekend with us, or that my mother was bringing home Velvet the rabbit from the school she taught at. Our house might have been temporarily full of pet hair, or the unforgettable stench of doggie breath, but it was only for a short period of time.
Pets are great friends for children, but can also teach them a lot about responsibility, commitment and how it feels to have someone depending on you. And although it requires vigilance, I have seen families where everyone adheres to a schedule and fulfils their pet-related duties, and Mom and Dad aren't left doing everything. But if you're not willing to take the plunge, consider giving pet-sitting a try.
Despite what it may sound like, I don't resent my parents for not getting us a pet. And I guess my childhood wasn't really “pet-less,” with all our weekend visitors. I have incredible parents and no right to complain. But I suppose that any feelings of ill will about the pet issue disappeared the summer I returned home from university with a pet rat. And I will never forget the panic that ensued when he escaped from my bedroom one day. I still think it's hilarious.
So why am I still pet-less today? I suppose my parents taught me how much responsibility a pet can be and how it should not be taken lightly. A dog is a life-long commitment and I'm not quite prepared for that yet. People often rush into pet ownership and find themselves unable to properly care for their pet or giving them up for adoption. I'll know when the time is right for me to get my dog. I've already narrowed it down to a few breeds and have chosen a few potential names for my future friend. But until that day comes, I'll continue to coo and gush over other peoples' pets.
