The Simple Benefits of Pets
photo credit: El Caganer
About a year and a half ago, I became the lucky owner of a nine-month-old puppy. As a first-time pet owner (no one seems to count fish as pets), it was quite a transition. However, I’m just beginning to learn about the responsibilities and rewards of pet ownership. It’s equal parts simplicity and complexity, and it’s become a vital part of my life.
This week, I’d like to take some time to talk about pets, and the ways they complicate our lives in some simply beautiful ways. Since I’ve got a dog, that’s what I’ll be writing about, but please feel free to share your thoughts on any creature, from toddler to turtle.
1. Pets require you to be selfless.
It’s not that I enjoy walking around the yard when it’s below freezing. I also don’t enjoy cleaning up dog poop. I certainly don’t do these activities for my health. However, I care about Roo, so I do these things almost unfailingly. It’s no longer just about me; it’s about another creature’s needs, and that’s a good thing. Yeah, it would be fun to stay curled up and watch “Friends” reruns for hours, but it’s not a bad thing when my ShedMaster 2000 prevents me from doing everything I want, all the time. Stepping outside my own needs and wants, even for a few minutes at a time, is a great way to restore balance and humbleness to my life.
Has pet ownership changed you? Please share your stories and let me know what you’ve gained from your pet.
Similar Posts:
- The Simple Benefits of Pets, Part II
- The Unstoppable Health Benefits of Optimism
- Simplify Your Cleaning Routine
- What Elizabeth Taylor Can Teach Us About Simplicity
- Finding Satisfaction in Small Things
This post has 30 comments
August 25th, 2008
LOL, pets are kind of high maintenance, aren’t they? I had a beagle while growing up. He was a great companion. Even though I picked him out of a litter and he was ‘my’ dog, he really became the family pet especially after I went away to college. I haven’t had my own dog since that time though – no particular reason as I enjoy their company.
August 25th, 2008
We have a cat. And one of the great benefits of our cat is that he requires some maintenance. Our children love Rufus. And, so they are learning the importance of caring for an animal, which includes them to be selfless once in a while. Our daughter is much better at this than her brothers. I don’t know maybe it’s something built into her genetic makeup. Because my wife is better at it than I am, as well.
August 25th, 2008
The last pet we had was a pair of turtles called Plato and Aristotle. We learned that pets aren’t for everyone
August 25th, 2008
I keep fish since I don’t have the space for a dog (would love to have a dog!)
Fish are great pets too, though. They’re very zen in that just watching them is very peaceful. I forget about whatever is going on and enjoy their beauty and antics.
If you keep a nice tank (I have two), they’re really nice pieces to have in the home — living decor.
If you follow feng shui, the moving water is beneficial to ridding spaces of stagnant energy. I have mine in corners that would otherwise nurture stagnant energy.
They’re also convenient in that if you go on a vacation, you can use auto-feeders and light timers to keep them going while you’re gone.
August 25th, 2008
We always had pets (cats and a dog) when I was growing up. I think they really made a difference. I miss pets now that I’m older. Where I live and because of my job, it’s hard to have pets, but one of these days I will do so once again.
August 25th, 2008
Having had one pet or another for my entire life, I can’t really say whether or not they’ve changed me. All I know is that I don’t even like to think about living without one because each and every one of them has giving me something valuable, whether it’s been our rat who used to spend his days sitting on the windowsill, watching the world go by or the dog who was an obedience champion. They were all precious in their own ways.
August 25th, 2008
I don’t have any pets right now; apartment rules. But I used to have three birds and grew up around a lot of dogs and cats. I appreciate how unconditional they are. Taking care of a pet is definitely a good exercise on learning to be selfless.
August 25th, 2008
BTW, Roo is adorable!
August 25th, 2008
One night, as a reward, my mom cooked a huge pot of her special spaghetti for dinner. I sat with the family at the table, all the preparations set, just smelling the beauty that would soon be supper. Our lovable golden cocker spaniel, Prince, snuck under mothers’ radar (and feet) while she carried the main dish, sending my hungering aspirations crashing to the ground with the pasta. I’d have eaten it off the kitchen floor if not for the glass shards sprinkled throughout like Parmesan.
At the time, I cried. Honestly. But now, I laugh at the whole thing and think fondly of my dog.
I’ve since learned that I still love my food just as much as I did then, but I forgive a lot more easily – “there’s no use crying over spilled about milk”.
August 25th, 2008
I don’t have any pets. I just never felt the need.
I have two kids, does that count?
August 25th, 2008
My pets are great instructors for me: one cat reminds me to take time to watch the birds, another reminds me to take naps when I’m tired, and my third cat is teaching me how to play. My dogs tell me when it’s time to take a break from work, get some fresh air and stretch my legs – all at the dog park, of course. And my horse teaches me to stay in the present and to claim myself as a reliable resource. Now how lucky can one person be?
Harmony,
Janet
August 25th, 2008
I have two humane society dogs. one is 8 and the other 10. i love them, but now that i have kids, the pet relationship has changed. i love them for unconditionally loving us even though they’ve taken a backseat to the new loves of our lives.
August 25th, 2008
Mark: The way you chose your beagle sounds like our story. B saw his pic on the Humane Society website and said, “That’s my dog!” We went to visit him in his foster home and found out that my husband’s intuition had been right on.
Lance: I really wonder what kind of lessons I could’ve learned as a child if we’d had pets. (I have vague recollections of a cat that died before I was really aware of much.) I’m happy for your kids!
Neiman Marxist: Love the names!
1001Petals: What a cool holistic view you have of pet ownership! We kept carnival fish as kids, and buried them in the backyard when they passed.
Michael: Speaking of selfless, I think it’s selfless to be pet-less if you know you don’t have the time to give them the attention or care they need.
Sharon: I love your perspective. What an introspective rat!
Davina: I had a pet rat in an apartment once, if that counts. Well, not so much a pet as an infestation, but…
Oh, and the pic above is not actually Roo. (Too bad–that little Boston is a cutie!) Roo is bigger and has a tendency to look stoned, apparently.
Bart: Oh, the heartbreak of lost spaghetti! I feel your pain! But definitely a good lesson to learn.
Vered: My parents are the same way. No desire, nothing missed. They’re especially grateful for their pet-free life after they visit us and our hair machine.
Janet: You do indeed sound lucky! I love your connection with animals, and the things you’re willing to learn.
Emily: I love the Humane Society! I don’t think we’ll ever get a non-shelter dog. And the change with your pets is understandable. It makes me happy to know that your kids will grow up learning to love and respect animals.
August 25th, 2008
Hi Sara,
What a darling dog.
We have two dogs. One goes to work with my husband every day, and the other one stays home. While I’m working (in our home office), Lucky is constantly reminding me that she needs attention. Although at times it’s an annoyance, it usually creates a great break for me and puts my mind on her instead of my work at hand. It’s all good.
August 26th, 2008
I have just one cat now, but our family has had cats forever. This one is the neediest one ever. She wants to lay next to me all the time, she wants me to look at her and smile, she wants me to come to bed so she can snuggle in that impossible for me to get comfortable spot…and I love every minute of it.
Can’t wait to see the rest of this weeks posts!
August 26th, 2008
I have fish and I count them as pets, yeah you don’t hold them but you still have to care for them.
i’ve had a cat in the past…not too much taking care of there…since most cats take care of themselves.
i probably will never have a dog because like you said, it’s not just about you….i don’t want the responsibility of caring for it.
pets are great stress reducers though, that’s what i read and i’m content with watching my fish swim.
August 26th, 2008
I don’t have any pets just now, Sara. Time and circumstances make it difficult.
The positive side-effects on people’s psychology is easy to see. I like those ‘befriending’ schemes where charitable organizations visit the sick or elderly at home or in hospital.
The friendship from these animals really seems to trigger good emotions and healing benefits.
PS That is one very cute dog in the photo!
August 26th, 2008
Good Morning from Manitoba! What an *adorable* puppy you have there…sweet….We have 3 furry babies (2 dogs/1 cat). All I need to do is look into their beautiful brown eyes..and all is ‘well’ in my world…
August 26th, 2008
I have am 11 yr old Jack Russell Terrier. I get so much joy from her. She always makes me smile – even when I’m really cranky. She knows when I just need to cuddle, and she knows when I need to play. Even at 11, she is completely ball crazy. If there is a ball to be found, she will find it.
I worried that she would be jealous when my son came along almost 3yrs ago, but she wasn’t at all. She was very protective of him and tried to “help” with him. If he woke up and started to cry she would come to get me and she was always by his side. Now my son thinks she is his doggie. They are the best of friends. I hope I have many more years with her. It’s going to be very difficult when she’s gone.
August 26th, 2008
I have 4 dogs – a min pin, a yorkie, a shepherd, and a lab… and 4 cats! I truly enjoy my furbabies and they have taught our children (all 7) so very much about responsiblity and unconditional love. Each child has bonded to one or more of the animals in a special way, and they are all very protective (including the nonsocial old lady of the house my 10 year old russian blue) to our youngest son who is autistic. Pets are the most wonderful, enjoyable, relaxing thing in this world! I don’t think I could live without a houseful of children or pets! What will I do when the children all leave home? HAHHAHA I guess I’ll get another dog!
August 26th, 2008
I have a wonderful dachshund that I truly adore. I echo your sentiments as far as sub-zero frolics into the yard and the joys of cleaning up after the “fun”! The sacrifice on our part is repaid (and then some!) by the love, companionship and entertainment they provide.
My boyfriend is just starting to “get” the responsibility of ownership—he’s gets frustrated by the leash it puts on us as far as how long we can be gone before we have to come back and let the dog out or feed him. Having always had a dog, I don’t really notice that “sacrifice” at all—besides the fact I have the tendency towards being a homebody, so I don’t necessarily mind it!
As odd as it may sound to some, I think I would sooner live without a boyfriend than without a dog. *Perhaps I need to consider this stipulation as part of a prenuptial agreement!*
August 26th, 2008
I love dogs but never thought I’d be able to find extra time to take care of one. My kids are quite a handful as it is. Since they are in school and have a number of classes, I doubt that they can really be ones taking care of a pet. I’ll just play with my cousin’s dogs when I have the chance.
August 26th, 2008
Barbara: What a lucky man your husband to get to go to work with the dog! Of course, Roo made me pretty batty when I was working from home; it was exactly like you described!
Kristen: What a lucky cat! I love that she just wants smiles–so sweet.
Natural: Are there any more low-maintenance pets than fish? Although once our fish jumped out of the bowl and into the garbage disposal. (We found her before it ran.) That was *not* relaxing!
Scott: I wish the cute dog was mine, but sadly no. I’m totally in agreement with the healing power of animals. When he’s older, I would love to train Roo to be a literacy dog. He’d be good at that: laying around and loving on kids.
Valerie: There really is something about the eyes, isn’t there? Irresistible.
Melaniesd: What a great family! I hope you have many more years together, too.
Elizabeth: Wow–your furry family sounds wonderful. Pets aren’t for everyone, but after having one, I also feel that the house wouldn’t be complete without a pooch.
Whit: I know exactly what you’re talking about! We’re definitely more tied down than we would be, but like you said, it’s worth it to us.
Evelyn: Perfect compromise! All the fun, none of the poop!
September 2nd, 2008
I have four dogs, 2 cats, a Budgie and some South African land snails (they’re HUGE!)….and I am basically a selfish person. The pets require that I be generous with my time, attention, patience and love at least part of my day. They make me a better person. And I hope they enjoy their life with me too
September 2nd, 2008
Tina: I have to be honest–I just looked up South African land snails and they kind of freak me out! I’m with you that it’s good to forced out of selfishness. So how much selflessness do the land snails (land horses) require?
September 2nd, 2008
My dogs are always willing to go for a walk and listen to me talk. They are amazing at being able to make me relax and are also the best exercise buddies. They can just keep going forever. They also motivate me and remind me when it’s time for them to eat.
September 2nd, 2008
Scott: Exercise! That’s a great reason to have a pet. (Well, that and they’re great at keeping secrets…) I love how it can be such a mutually beneficial relationship.
September 23rd, 2008
A friend of mine that battled depression once told me that his psychiatrist told him to get a dog. Now that I have a dog, I can see why it is good for anyone, regardless of if you’re having trouble living your ideal lifestyle, or not.
I’m just going to list some of the things I love about having a dog. When we go for walks, she discovers the oddest things. She brings back deer legs from the woods, is completely fascinated by bees and cats, and completely freaks out when she realizes we are going for a hike. Why don’t I react like that when I see those things? She makes me see everything again for the first time.
She also doesn’t get mad at me, which is nice, when you think of how complicated human relationships can be. If I step on her foot, she wags her tail at me 2 minutes later as if it never happened. It’s really nice when I come home how excited she gets. It helps me not spend too much time at work. I also love that I have to think of her first. Even if I’m not very good at doing what I want to do, I try to always do what’s best for her.
Her brushes with death help me realize how short life is. She also helps me be more social and is a good ice breaker in general. I’m always in a good state of mind when she is around. Her silliness and personality helps me recognize that in other animals, and even humans. She distracts me from wasting my time. She’s never too tired to do something and ALWAYS wants to cuddle. I have very much learned patience and to remind myself that she doesn’t know better. She also has taught me that material objects are all replaceable. Everyone has said I am a different person since I got her.
September 23rd, 2008
Deb: All I can say is “Amen!” I know exactly what you’re talking about. The amount of optimism and forgiveness in dogs is amazing. And yeah, when I say “walk,” it’s on!
November 25th, 2008
That\’s such a point!! It\’s about time someone stepped up to the plate like that. I am going to link to you in my blog roll, ok?
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