How Pets Shape Family Dynamics

home insemination Kit

We’ve had to say goodbye to both of our dogs in the past few years, and it’s been incredibly tough. They were such beloved members of our family. For nearly 13 years, they were a part of my life and my husband’s—and our kids adored them too.

Now, we have a rabbit in a cozy cage in the backyard and a fish swimming around in a bowl by the kitchen sink. While they lack the charm and personality of our dogs, they are definitely easier to care for. I’m not saying that pet maintenance is the only thing that matters, but it sure is nice not to be vacuuming up dog hair every other day.

As a mom of four, I’ve noticed my priorities when it comes to pets have changed. My kids now create enough mess for me, and they greet me like excited pups when they come home from school. Sure, kids can’t replace the unconditional love of a puppy, but at least they won’t leave surprises on the lawn.

When our dogs, Max and Bella, were puppies, we took them to training classes where they learned to sit and occasionally come when called. Walking on a leash? Not so much. And heeling? Well, that was never in the cards. They were great dogs, but let’s just say their report cards from puppy preschool wouldn’t have been stellar. Still, I had the time and energy to train them, which helped maintain a happy household.

Yes, they chewed through cabinet doors and turned our window sills into chew toys, and once they even destroyed part of the living room carpet. But hey, at least they learned to sit!

Who really expects a smooth journey with a new pet? We don’t adopt animals for a spotless home or to avoid stepping in a mess at midnight. We welcome them into our lives for the joy of companionship. Plus, we often fantasize about them being our brave protectors, even if they’d probably just welcome a burglar with a wagging tail if they caught a whiff of treats.

Another reason to get a dog? It’s like a trial run for parenthood. Sure, pets and kids are different—kids have a knack for putting the most inappropriate things in their mouths and making messes you wouldn’t believe. But taking care of pets has to be better preparation than lugging around a bag of flour in high school pretending it’s your baby named Chad after your picture-perfect wedding at Disney. Just me?

Now that I have the kids I was preparing for, I find myself pondering the idea of getting another dog. My kids often ask if we can add a furry friend to our family, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s really necessary. Maybe we should consider a pet that requires less commitment given that we’ve leveled up in the parenting game.

To help with this decision, I’ve compiled a practical list of family pets. Remember, there’s a sweet spot from ages 9 to 12 when kids can handle most of a pet’s needs—until they discover dating or texting.

Here’s a brutally honest breakdown of common family pets:

• Dog: Mobile poop-dispenser. Yes, you’ll need to find and pick up the poop.
• Cat: Hairball carpet-bomber. Hairballs are the unfortunate result of cat puke mixed with a clogged drain.
• Goldfish: Future toilet-sushi. One minute they’re swimming happily, and the next, they’re history.
• Rabbit: Fluffy escape artist. They dream of freedom and will do everything to get it, despite your kids wanting to cuddle them.
• Bird: Flying poop-dispenser. Do you really want airborne droppings in your home?
• Hamster: Culturally acceptable mouse. But yeah, it’s still basically a mouse.
• Hermit Crab: Almost a rock. Just put a shell in a cage and pretend he’s napping.

Of course, there are other options like lizards, ferrets, and even pigs that are now considered pets. But the reality remains: you’ll be cleaning up after them. It’s no surprise that the word “pets” is just a typo away from “pests.”

I’m sure our family will eventually welcome one or more of these creatures into our home. They may be a bit annoying, loud, or even heartbreakingly dead before we get through the door from the pet store. But having a pet is a great way to teach kids about compassion, care, and even how to deal with someone else’s mess—critical life skills, really.

If you’re interested in exploring options for starting a family, you can check out more insights in our other blog post here. Also, for those seeking an authority on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for those considering IVF, Hopkins Medicine is an excellent resource.

In summary, pets can be both a challenge and a joy, helping families learn about responsibility and love. While they come with their fair share of messes, they teach invaluable life lessons and provide companionship.