Growing up, I had a pet raccoon for a short time, and let me tell you, that was a wild ride! It taught me a lot about responsibility and affection—or lack thereof, in the raccoon’s case. It turns out that raccoons can be a bit standoffish, no matter how hard you try to bond with them.
Having been raised in the countryside, I was surrounded by all sorts of animals: dogs, cats, birds, turtles, and even the occasional pig. We had just about every pet imaginable—except for ferrets, which my dad absolutely refused to entertain. Some of our furry friends lived long lives, while others mysteriously vanished or met unfortunate ends. Regardless, I adored every one of them and became a true pet lover.
Now, as a parent living in a small apartment, I often feel bummed that my kids are missing out on the joys of having pets. My youngest, who’s five, has been asking for a fish lately, but I’m hesitant. To me, the joy of a pet lies in the cuddles, playtime, and outdoor adventures together. With fish, you can’t snuggle or play fetch; it feels like a missed opportunity. Plus, let’s be real—who wants to spend half the weekend scrubbing algae off a fish tank?
I can’t shake the feeling that my boys are missing out on valuable lessons that come from caring for a pet. Growing up, tending to our animals taught me a lot about responsibility and empathy. Even at a young age, it was significant to me knowing that a creature was relying on me for care. I vividly remember feeding them, going to the vet, and helping with their injuries. I even learned that even if you’re not fond of a creature—like my raccoon—you still have a duty to care for it. These experiences instilled a sense of responsibility that I carry with me to this day.
I truly believe it’s essential for kids, particularly boys, to learn the basics of caring for another living being. It’s not just about the day-to-day routines of feeding and watering; it’s about discovering the joy that comes from meeting someone else’s needs. Today, with so much focus on academic achievements, I worry that kids might miss out on learning these important skills.
Right now, it’s just not feasible for us to have a pet, and my boys will have to learn these lessons in other ways. Many people grow up without pets and still develop empathy and responsibility—there are countless opportunities to help others in need out there. I suspect my longing for a pet is more about nostalgia for my childhood, which was vastly different from my kids’ urban lifestyle.
As for that raccoon, after we nursed him back to health, he didn’t seem grateful at all. In fact, he would bite us whenever he got the chance! When the vet told us we had to release him back into the wild, he wasted no time scurrying off without a backward glance.
So, while having a pet is not in the cards for us right now, I hope my kids can still find ways to develop compassion and responsibility as they grow.
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Summary: Having pets can teach kids valuable lessons about responsibility and empathy, but not every family can accommodate animals. While the author reflects on her own experiences with pets, she acknowledges that her children may learn these important lessons in different ways.