The love we feel for our pets can be overwhelming, and for many of us, they truly are part of the family. But, no matter how much affection we shower on our animals, the fact is that sometimes, love ISN’T enough. Pets also need a number of other, very important things to live healthy and happy lives – and there may be times when even the most caring and well-meaning humans are missing the mark as pet owners. Here are a few examples….
When ignorance or inexperience affects their welfare.
All pets require a degree of knowledge. If we don’t make a real eff ort to learn about our pet (including the specific needs of their breed or species), how can we possibly take proper care of them? There will be a ‘first pet’ for all of us – even if you grew up with animals in the family, it’s a whole new ball game when you’re the responsible adult! And all ‘firsts’ are learning experiences. That said, the more homework you do, the better equipped you’ll be to provide the home and care that your pet needs. Staying connected to a knowledgeable network (whether through social media or a local group) will also enable you to address any issues that may come up. Having some ‘hands on’ knowledge is also super helpful, so why not volunteer at a shelter or babysit a friend’s pet before jumping in to get your own?
It’s also important to note that some animals really do need a LOT more knowledge and experience than others, so choosing a suitable pet is key. For example, a horse needs a whole lot more skill, knowledge, space and capability than the average cat. If you haven’t put in the hard yards to acquire all these things, your inexperience could come at your pet’s expense, no matter how much you love them.
When you can’t afford what they need.
No matter what type of pet you choose, it won’t be cheap to care for them. While some expenses can be avoided or managed (for example, pets can live without a designer wardrobe or an orthopedic sofa bed), others are non-negotiables, such as vet bills, food and council registration. You may love your pet to the end of the earth, but what if they suddenly needed emergency dental work to the tune of several thousand dollars? What if they developed an allergy and needed treatment from the vet, or a special (expensive) diet? With pets, the costs can hit you when you least expect. And while money can’t buy love, it’s necessary to buy pretty much everything else your pet needs to live.
When you're struggling to find the time.
While some pets are low(er) maintenance, the vast majority require a significant amount of their owner’s time. On top of obvious routine tasks like feeding and grooming, many pets need exercise, social interaction and mental stimulation. This is especially true for higher energy dogs, who are prone to all sorts of behavioural and health problems if left to their own devices. We can try to squeeze all the love and TLC possible into a short window spent with our pets. But ultimately, nothing makes up for (or replaces) quality time. It’s our most valuable commodity for a reason!
When you can’t set healthy boundaries.
It’s hard to imagine loving a pet too much. But it can start to become an issue when the love you feel for a pet prevents you from treating them like the animal they are. All animals (especially dogs) need clear and consistent boundaries. Treating a pet like a human child or a cuddly toy can cause great confusion, and lead to behavioural issues. Pets need to understand their place in the household and what they’re expected to do (or not do). Otherwise, mayhem will ensue… and this isn’t good for anyone. Of course, training must always be done with compassion – but at some stage, you’ll need to enforce a boundary, or let your pet know that something is unacceptable. You might feel like the bad guy, but trust us, it’s possible to do this and still love your pet.
When you can’t put their wellbeing ahead of your emotions.
Pets bring all sorts of emotions out in us… that’s what happens when you love someone! While mostly a good thing, it can become a problem if it prevents you from doing the best thing for your pet. For example, your pet may hate having their nails clipped and object vocally. But is it in their best interest to let their nails become painfully ingrown talons? No. So, in this case, you’d need to get the better of your emotions and do the right thing (or get a vet to do it). Pets don’t always know what’s best for them (especially when a visit to the vet is involved!). So, the greatest kind of love we can show them is to put their wellbeing first, no matter how hard, expensive or time consuming it may be. After all, it’s a small price to pay for the love they show us.
At Allowed to Grow Old, our mission is to ensure quality of life for all animals. By educating people about the commitment of pet ownership, we hope to see fewer animals surrendered, and more enjoy the lives they deserve. To support our activities donate here.
