As a child, I once had a possum as a pet, an experience that taught me significant lessons about responsibility and affection. Primarily, I discovered that possums are not the most affectionate creatures, and despite my best efforts, their love was in short supply.
Growing up in a rural environment, I encountered a variety of animals: dogs, cats, birds, turtles, fish, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, snakes, horses, and pigs. My family kept nearly every type of pet imaginable, except for ferrets—my mother was rather averse to the very mention of them. Some of our pets lived long lives, while others ran away or tragically met accidents. Regardless, I cherished them all and became an avid pet lover as an adult.
Now, as a parent, it saddens me that my children won’t experience the joys of having pets, as we currently reside in a small apartment that prohibits dogs and cats. Recently, my five-year-old son has been advocating for a fish, but I hesitate. To me, the main purpose of a pet is companionship—something to cuddle, play with, and take outdoors. Unfortunately, interacting with fish in such ways is not feasible, and the thought of maintaining a fish tank—cleaning algae and changing water—can be daunting, especially with my current responsibilities of raising two children and managing a job.
Yet, I can’t help but wonder if my sons are missing out on valuable experiences by not having a pet. Caring for our various animals instilled in me a sense of duty. Even at a young age, I grasped the significance of looking after a creature that relies on you. I took my role seriously—feeding, providing water, and accompanying my mother to veterinary appointments. I also learned that even if you have an aversion to a creature, once you take it in, you must ensure its well-being. These experiences fostered empathy and taught me to think of others’ needs, lessons that have remained with me throughout life.
I believe it’s crucial for children, particularly boys, to engage in caring for another living being. This experience helps them understand the routine of caregiving and allows them to take pride in meeting someone else’s needs. In today’s fast-paced world, where academic achievement often takes precedence, children may miss out on these essential skills. Pets can be a stepping stone to learning empathy and responsibility, and it’s unfortunate my sons won’t have that opportunity.
For the time being, we have to forgo pet ownership. Many children grow up without pets and still learn about empathy and responsibility through different avenues. There are ample opportunities in the world for children to develop a desire to help others. My longing for a pet may stem from nostalgia for my childhood, which starkly contrasts with my children’s urban lifestyle.
The possum we once rescued was far from grateful. Despite our care, he would bite us at every opportunity. Eventually, we learned from the vet that we needed to release him back into the wild before he lost his natural instincts. So, we opened his cage, and without a second glance, he disappeared into the underbrush, never to return.
In conclusion, while pets can offer invaluable lessons in responsibility and empathy, children can also learn these virtues through other experiences.
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