Many kids love animals, and it feels as if all of them go through different stages of wanting pets of various types. For children, pets often appeal to them like live stuffed animals that give love, and to whom they can share their secrets.
The majority of households, 66%, own a pet, so obviously many adults share this desire. I am not one of them. I have nothing against animals, and I am incredibly happy for everyone who finds joy in their pets, but it’s just not for me.
My kids vehemently disagree. They fiercely love animals of all kinds and always make friends with any one they see. Some of the dogs in the neighborhood (my kids know ALL their names) wander over to our yard often. Enough that I’ve questioned whether or not they are making a treat path to our house to ensure a steady stream of furry visitors.
In our most recent round of the “we want a pet” conversation, they expressed their immediate desire for a dog, a snake, and multiple fish.
I have yet to be swayed, and I don’t see that changing.
Lest you think I am a wall of stony indifference, I questioned myself a few years ago enough to seek the advice of my son’s play therapist. I asked her if she thought it would be a significant help for his anxiety because maybe I could deal with it, if it would make a difference, maybe. She told me that, because I do not get a lot of joy out of being with animals, the positive impact on my kids’s mental health was not going to outweigh the negative impacts on mine.
That perspective has stuck with me, and it’s what I use to evaluate my response every time. To their credit, my kids seem to understand, though it doesn’t keep them from asking again the next time. So, we have no plans to adopt a family pet in the future.
However, while I personally don’t share their joy in animals, I very much recognize and respect it. In a show of support, I have actively sought other ways for my kids to get their animal fix.
Volunteer with animal organizations.
Many communities have volunteer opportunities related to animals. Locations such as animal shelters, nature preserves, and rescue centers often have volunteer programs available for both kids and adults. Right now, my kids are part of a reading buddies program at our local humane society, where they read books to the dogs and cats waiting to be adopted.
Foster relationships with the pets of friends and family.
Due to their animal-loving nature, my kids absolutely adore going to anyone’s house with an animal. I try to make that happen as often as possible – including when I’m not really feeling it. This has given them an opportunity to regularly interact with pets, and get to know how animal personalities may differ, scratching that “I want a dog” itch.
Allow opportunities for pet-sitting.
We have been successful enough in fostering those relationships with others’ pets that the boys have been offered the opportunity to pet sit for neighbors and family. For kids too young to drive, this might require some parental assistance, but it’s well worth it. They take very good care of the animals and I appreciate the sense of responsibility the job promotes.
Donate to animal organizations.
This might seem unconventional because it’s not an in-person connection, but I have been surprised by how much donating has impacted my kids. They love to get newsletters about new dogs who have been adopted from the shelter, or updates on the shark and lion their aunts donated to in their honor.
I know creating these opportunities for our children to connect with animals is not the same as having one of their own. In fact, I’m reminded of that on a very regular basis. The list of pets they will get as soon as they move out is a common topic of conversation at our house, and I don’t think they’ve quite given up all hope of getting one before then.
