Is anyone out there an animal person? I can’t say that I am. Don't get me wrong, animals are great. Having pets is something that I’ve often considered at various points in my life. I have never gotten around to making that sort of commitment though. Pets are a lot of work, and I don’t know for sure if I am responsible enough to be taking care of one. There’s also the fact that I’m allergic to animal fur, but that’s a different issue altogether.
Our family always had pets since I was little. We had dogs most of the time, but I hardly ever went near them because of my allergies. My childhood experience with pets involved those that my parents wanted. Apart from dogs, there were fish and birds. At one point my grade school best friend and I shared a pet mouse, a white one with red eyes. I can’t remember what happened to that one and how we lost him (or her). But that was a fun experience
being able to hide that pet from my family.
There was one family dog that I loved a lot when I was little. I remember the dog was never on a leash but he was very well behaved. He barked when there were strangers around but for the most part, would sit and watch over us kids at home. Whenever we went out around the neighborhood, he would follow us everywhere until we got home. It was as if he wanted to make sure we got to where we needed and back home safe and sound. I loved that one so much. It felt weird not having him around anymore when he was gone.
If I were to have a pet, it would be a dog. I have a bit of a fear of dogs when they bark, but I am in love with the friendly ones. I have had great experiences with a lot of sweet dogs. Whenever I encounter those sweet ones, I can’t help but spend time with them. I deal with the allergic consequences later, but it’s worth it! So if I were ever to commit myself to being a fur mom, it for sure would be for a dog. My sisters used to have cats, but I’ve never had an affinity for them.
I know of some family and friends who have pets that are not as common as dogs, cats, birds, or fish. My dad had a friend with a pet snake. One of those large ones. One of our neighbors when I was growing up had a pet monkey. My cousin owned a rabbit when we were kids. Someone I once dated had a hedgehog. A friend from college owned a tiny turtle. It has been interesting to look back and think about the pets that people in my life have doted on through the years. I admire them for that.
I would love to have a pet, but I can’t. I know it takes a lot of work. I never even tried having one of my own because of it. The way I see it, if I cannot take care of a pet right and give it the love and care it needs, I should not have one at all. They’re better off having other people taking care of them. I’ll have one if the timing and the circumstances are right for it.
Based on the people I know who are animal lovers, pets are a part of their families. I know how important pets are to the people who take care of them. I want to make sure I can give them the kind of love and affection that they deserve if I were to have one. I don’t know when that day will come, but not today.
Someday. Maybe. We’ll see.
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