Sunday, November 16, 2014

Is Having A Pet Worth It?

        I didn’t expect this topic to be so difficult and personal. The question of whether pets are “worth it” (the time, money, emotional giving and getting) is not so much about the pet as it is about the owner. I’ve been flirting with the idea of getting another pet for years now, but currently have none.

I get the feeling that in our society it is considered shameful to not like pets or children. You don’t have to have them, but you can’t say you don’t like them. Think I’m exaggerating? When was the last time you heard someone come right out and announce they do not like one or the other? And what was the reaction of those around them? I like both pets and children, but in small doses.

Maybe in some ways I’m selfish. On the one hand, I would feel bad that my pet is home alone all day while I’m at work, but then I also don’t like the idea that when I am home they would be demanding my time and attention. And yes, I guess that also means I’m more of a cat person. Although on my recent trek in Nepal I saw all these big, mellow dogs that just enjoyed lying out in the sun and would allow themselves to be petted, but wouldn’t get in your face for attention. 

I weigh what I got from my past pets against the pets’ quality of life. Of the pets in my adult life, one puppy was given to a new home after two weeks of no fun and lots of trouble (puppies are supposed to be fun as well as work, right?) One rabbit had to be put down due to health issues affecting his quality of life. This was, by the way, one of the hardest things I ever had to do. And one cat led a long and happy life, but the majority of it was after I gave her to my parents because I moved to a friend’s “no pets allowed” apartment. My father, Mr. “I don’t want anything in the house that poops or sheds” was secretly thrilled to have her keep him company after a medical retirement curtailed his usual work and activities. Then after dad died she became mom’s cat, and mom seemed glad to have the company as well.

Now that I look at all of my past pets, my track record is worse than I thought. But still, when I think about my reasons for not getting one now, I feel a little societal pressure that maybe others would argue against those reasons. “Having a pet will make you a better person (more loving, generous, compassionate.)” But it’s hard taking the plunge knowing I may have another bad experience. 

I have considered signing up to take in foster animals for the SPCA. I could be a serial temporary pet owner, which may be the right fit for me. 

 This blog topic is the first in a monthly series wherein a group of bloggers will all write their take on the same topic and publish on the same day without having read any of the others. Here are links to the other blogs:


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