How Pets Teach Families Important Lessons

home insemination Kit

Saying goodbye to our two beloved dogs over the past few years has been incredibly tough. They were cherished members of our family for nearly 13 years, bringing joy to both me and my husband, as well as our kids. Since their passing, we’ve welcomed a rabbit that enjoys his cozy cage in the backyard, along with a fish that swims around in a bowl by the kitchen sink. While these two creatures may not be as interactive as our dogs were, they’re definitely easier to care for. I mean, who misses vacuuming up dog hair from the carpet?

As a mom of four, I’ve noticed a shift in my priorities regarding pets. My kids are now the ones creating the messes, wagging their tails—metaphorically speaking—when they come home from school. Admittedly, children are no substitute for a puppy’s affection, but at least they won’t leave surprises on the lawn!

When our dogs, Bella and Max, were puppies, we enrolled them in puppy preschool. They learned a few basic commands—like sitting and occasionally coming when called—but mastering leash walking? Not a chance! They were lovable but not exactly star pupils. Still, I was dedicated to helping them learn how to coexist with our family, which was crucial for keeping our home harmonious.

Sure, they did manage to chew on some cabinet fronts and left a few battle scars on the living room carpet. But who really expects a smooth journey when welcoming a new pet? We don’t choose to bring animals into our lives for a pristine home or to avoid stepping in surprises. We do it for the joy of having a furry companion who returns our affection. And let’s be honest, the idea that they’ll protect us from intruders is a bit optimistic—they’d likely just show a burglar where the treats are!

Another reason to consider getting a dog is that it serves as a great training ground for parenthood. While pets and kids are certainly different—kids tend to put even more inappropriate things in their mouths and have a knack for messy accidents—caring for animals prepares you in ways that high school baby-simulator projects simply can’t.

Now that I have my own kids, the need for a puppy has diminished. I hear my children asking if we can adopt another dog someday, which makes me wonder if it’s really necessary. Perhaps we could find a pet that requires less maintenance.

To make this decision easier, I’ve drafted a straightforward list for busy parents weighing the pros and cons of adding a family pet. Remember, there’s a prime window between ages 9 and 12 when children can almost fully manage a pet’s needs—before they inevitably get too wrapped up in texting and dating. So, if you’re leaning toward a high-maintenance pet, make sure to have a pre-teen around to help!

Here’s a quick rundown of common family pets:

• Dog = Mobile Poop-Dispenser. You’ll need to find and pick up the mess.
• Cat = Hairball Carpet-Bomber. Hairballs are the unfortunate result of cat barf mixed with whatever’s clogging your shower drain.
• Goldfish = Future Toilet-Sushi. One moment they’re swimming happily; the next, they’re ready for a flush.
• Rabbit = Fluffy Escape Artist. They have an impressive jumping ability and a desire for freedom, even if your family just wants to cuddle with them.
• Bird = Flying Poop-Dispenser. Yes, they poop from above. Is that what you want in your home?
• Hamster = Culturally Acceptable Mouse. They may be more acceptable, but they’re still, for all intents and purposes, rodents.
• Hermit Crab = Almost a Rock. Just buy a fake shell from the craft store and pretend he’s always napping.

Of course, there are many other options, like lizards or ferrets, but at the end of the day, they all come with poop responsibilities. It’s interesting how “pets” is just one typo away from “pests.”

In our family, I know we’ll eventually welcome one or more of these animals into our home again. They may be a bit annoying, loud, or even unexpectedly float in their bowl before we get home from the pet store, but having a pet is a fantastic way to teach kids about compassion, care, and the basics of cleaning up after someone else.

If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, this article might offer some helpful insights. For a great resource on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this Wikipedia page, and if you’re looking for quality kits, visit Make A Mom.

In summary, pets can teach us valuable life lessons and prepare us for the chaos of family life.