Just what is the Ideal or The Perfect Pet?
Is there such a thing? To some, a cat is the perfect pet, to others the dog is the perfect pet. How about a horse, chicken, cow? Maybe a hamster, sugar glider, or snake? And to some, perhaps it is even fish. And then there are those that feel the perfect pet is NO pet!
It all depends on what you want from a pet, then match an animal that best suits that. The problems with many pet owners is that they get an animal with preconceived ideas of what kind of pet it will be, and most of the time they get disappointed. Add to that the individual personality of the animal itself and there are plenty of variables introduced as to whether this is a “good” pet or a “bad” pet.
I want to mention at this time that I do not like the word “pet” and don’t even use it in my house. The animals with which I share my life are referred to as people or family members. But for sake of familiarity of words and ideas, I am using the term “pet” here as it is a word/term/idea that is easily recognized.
When you are willing to accept an animal on its own terms, you will be much happier with your pet. If you expect an animal to behave differently than what it is, you will be disappointed. For example: do not expect a cat to behave like a dog and run up and greet you when you get home. So many dog owners that I talk to say the number one reason why they don’t like cats is they are not loyal and affectionate enough. “My dog runs up to say hello everyday, but the cat couldn’t care less” is the kind of statements I hear all the time. Yet cat lovers will tell you that the dog lovers are wrong. Cats are very loyal and affectionate. But they don’t behave like dogs. They behave like cats. And they show their love and loyalty in different ways than dogs do.
Now there are some cats that DO run up and greet you, and some dogs that do NOT. Those are exceptions and as I always say “there is an exception to every rule!” So while you need to know what to expect from a particular species, be prepared for those exceptions, whether they be good or bad. I have seen both ends of the spectrum in this area. I have seen people be so forgiving to their pets but never forgive a human for the smallest thing, as well as those that will forgive humans for things but not forgive their pets. And it just doesn’t make sense to me either way.
You need to remember that golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” and treat your pet as you want to be treated. With love, respect, and loyalty. The problem here is that there is a language barrier due to being different species. It is OUR place to try to understand where they are coming from, not the other way around, just like we would for our children. We don’t come home from work after having a bad day and expect our 3 month old human infant to understand why we don’t want to cuddle. We would put our problems aside and cuddle. Perhaps once that child is 10 we can explain it to them, but for our pets, we need to understand that they wont reason on things quite the way we will and we need to put their feelings and needs first.
When you can remember these basic principles, and be honest with your yourself on what you want or expect, then you will most likely have a better relationship with your pet. You own your house, you own your car. Appliances behave the way they are programmed to. Don’t look at your pet with the same type of eyes.
Your pet is an individual with feelings and needs. Treat them as such, develop a RELATIONSHIP with them, and you will be richly rewarded!
