If you've grown up with pets, it can be hard to imagine life without them. But if you've never had a pet, the idea might seem a bit daunting. There are many encouraging reasons for having a companion of the animal kind.
Responsibility is usually the main word that springs to mind when thinking about getting a pet. Whether it is furry, finned, scaly or feathered, a pet is a definite commitment a commitment that, according to most pet owners, turns out to be highly rewarding and regret-free.
However, like any commitment, it is important to first consider the rewards and challenges of owning a pet.
Rewards
• Your pet will give you unconditional love and continuing companionship. No matter what the circumstance, as long as you treat your pet with respect and provide basic good care, it will always be there to love you. This applies particularly to cats and dogs. (Fish tend not to show love in quite the same way!)
• Having a dog as a pet can help to keep your body and mind active and well. If you walk your dog for half an hour each day, you will be getting more than your minimum daily cardiovascular requirements. Exercise will also stimulate the release of your natural happy hormones – endorphins – helping ensure a happy owner and a happy pet.
• Owning a pet is a great way to learn responsibility and commitment, especially for children.
• Looking after a pet, whether a fish, reptile or the four-legged kind, will give any person a renewed view on selflessness. Looking after another life will promote humanity and a stronger sense of giving.
• Whether it is a canine companion or a feline friend, cats and dogs can act as great security alarms.
Challenges
• You will need to plan pet care if you go away on holiday. Many places don't allow pets, so you will need to organise a friend, neighbour or family member to feed, clean or walk your pet. Kennels and pet sitters are also an option.
• All animals need maintenance. You will need to put time aside to clean your pet's home, which could vary from a tank, cage or backyard. Also keeping your pet clean and tidy is highly important for hygiene and optimum pet health.
• Pets are an additional expense. It is a good idea to create a budget to make sure you can afford food and other accessories that may be required. Also make allowances in the event your pet gets sick. A trip to the vet can be very costly.
• After weighing up the key pros and cons, it all comes down to which pet will suit you best. Purchasing a pet doesn't have to turn into an expensive adventure. Turn your pet purchase into an act of compassion and adopt a homeless pet from your local RSCPA, which will bring benefit not only to you, but also to an animal in need of some TLC.
Familiar Quotes
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later." ~ Mary Bly
"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant
"Dogs have owners, cats have staff." ~ Anonymous
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." ~ Anonymous
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