Pets: A road to adulthood

Childhood pets can make the man, or woman. I wholly believe this. Every child should have a cherished pet in their childhood. Hear me on this point:  It must be a pet whose care they have an active role in. Assign them duties for seeing to the pet’s needs. This is crucial. Having their heart invested in the well-being of a creature under their care teaches a child so many things they have no other way of learning.

Kindness tops that list. A child needs to learn and exhibit kindness. This goes far beyond the animal of choice being perceived as another of their possessions, installed in the home solely for their entertainment. That’s the wrong path.

A pet is not a toy or an accessory. Ever. They have a soul. Some religions say they don’t, but, again, I wholly believe most animals have souls. It’s human egotism to think we are the only species on the planet to possess this ethereal element of life. Pets crave love. If denied love, they will throw themselves on the sword of cruelty for the sake of human attention/interaction. Well, dogs will. Cats just leave, if not physically, then emotionally. Kids who see their pet (generally a mammal large enough to share their space, i.e. a non-caged species) and garner hugs as a member of the family, invest themselves into interacting in meaningful ways. There’s a give and take.

That’s when learning responsibility comes into play. They can help teach the pet obedience rules and tricks. Taking care of the pet -- brushing, feeding, watering, playing/exercising and helping with veterinarian visits -- builds a sense of pride. Sure, sometimes it will be a chore. But many times, the pet will engage with gratitude and affection for the child, one of its pack or pride, their human. That bond, once forged, is a miracle all its own.

Now there’s another level of maturity built: sensitivity to another being’s feelings/needs. This is huge. From here the pair, child and pet, will teach each other the basics of humanity: starting with love. Love obliterates so many negative behaviors from manifesting. The desire to please, to aid, to enrich their furry friend crowds out tendencies of bullying, apathy and selfishness. Families without beloved pets deny their children a crucial emotional skill set, experiences of caring for a helpless creature’s needs above their own, and a life path toward becoming a sensitive and loving adult. Trust me on this one.  

If you are on the fence about getting a cat or a dog for your family, lean in. Engage your kids in the process of choosing a pet. Educate yourselves on what type of animal fits your family: species, desired traits, needs of particular breeds. Make sure everyone is on board with what animal will blend in with your family dynamic, parcel out duties needed for its care and then go for it. Go to your local animal shelter. Pick out your purrfect Fido or Fluffy. It might take a few visits, and that’s OK as long as you keep looking for your match and finally commit, adopting your new family member. What a joyful moment that will be.   

If you don’t follow through, you’ll rob your family of an education in love and devotion they’ll learn no other way. A pet will make your family better, so much better. Like chocolate frosting on a yellow cupcake.

Maybe your family can start by volunteering at your local animal shelter as dog walkers, or helping with cat enrichment. Don’t wait. You’ll thank me.