Pets: Parts of our Family
Family members have always come in many shapes, sizes, and ages. In recent years, there's been an addition - those furry creatures which grace homes with their presence, also known as pets.
What you can expect to find below:
Treasured pets
Various types of creatures
Inside or outside homes today, what creatures will you find?
There are a variety of creatures - excluding cats and dogs - which families have living in their homes nowadays, such as hamsters, gerbils, parrots, budgie birds, turtles, iguanas, goldfish, and snakes, among others.
Outside of their homes, some people have stables, barns and farms where chicken, turkeys, horses, pigs, cows and goats reside, among other animals.
However, this lens will focus on the most popular pets of all time - those furry little, or big, creatures living inside our homes which we refer to as dogs and cats.
Children and Pets
Unique Relationships
Pets are wonderful for all members of the family but, especially, children. In many cases, children bond with their pets more than with siblings.
Whenever children want to play, pets are available, and willing to play anything. The same isn't true of siblings. They have their own agenda which may, or may not, include another sibling.
"Family pets are a joy to be around; they bring many benefits to a family:"
They bring healing
When children own pets, they often talk to their pets when feeling troubled about something. Though pets can't share communication by speaking, they seem to listen and understand, while feeling compassion towards the children. The children appear to feel better almost immediately after sharing their concerns with their pets.
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They make everyone feel special
When family members arrive home, pets announce their presence by barking or running to the window. They don't settle down until everyone is inside the house, at which time the pets run out to offer a greeting, expecting to be greeted in return.
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They love to snuggle
As long as pets aren't too big or heavy, they can be picked up and snuggled into. The entire family finds comfort from snuggling into their pets. In addition, having pets around when not feeling well makes the sick person feel a little better just knowing they are nearby.
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They are great companions
Pets make great companions, whether a person lives alone or is part of a family. When pets are around, there is no need to feel lonely. There is always someone around to communicate with or take out for a while.
They are protectors and staunch defenders
If someone is lurking around the home, pets will know. Seeing a cat with a stiffened spine, hair standing up on its back, and its head held straight is a clue that the cat is listening for a particular sound. The cat may even begin to meow loudly. However, a dog will begin barking frantically while, possibly, running to every room of the house to look through the window.
Whatever the case, the pets' behavior is a sign that something is making them uncomfortable, and the situation needs to be checked out...but, in the event someone does try to harm a family member, a cat will attack while scratching the assailant, while dogs will bark. Both pets may bite if they feel the occasion calls for it. Pets will defend their families at all costs, even by risking their own lives.
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They are great motivators
Sometimes you're too tired to go for a walk in the evening, though you planned to. Conversely, sometimes life is so hectic that you don't think you can take the time to walk your dog, though you desperately want to. In these situations, your dog will force the issue, giving you your heart's desire because your dog will not be willing to wait for another day to go outside!
Taking your dog for a walk allows you to get a brisk walk during the evening/morning and increases strength in your arms and legs, especially if you have a big dog which always tries to pull you.
If the dog becomes excited, it's even harder to control the dog's speed, thus providing a better physical workout. Smile - after all, you really wanted a cardiovascular work-out, right?
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They are loyal
Unless sickness or death should come, there's no need to worry about pets finding greener pastures and moving on. They will remain with you as long as they live.
Pets are Wonderful
Just as children, adults often share their innermost thoughts and feelings with their pets which makes them feel a lot better afterward.
Pets' ears are always open and they are always loyal.
Also, most importantly,
pets do not gossip.
They will never repeat anything they've heard from you, nor will they condemn you because of what you've shared with them.
Can you say the same for all of your human friends?
Adult Pet Owners
As adults, how close are you to your pets? Have you discovered yourself treating them as though they were human?
Nakiska posing in the Canadian Rockies!
When family pets die
What do you think?
Should pets be treated as members of the family?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, of course!
Tiddledeewinks says:
Yes Yes Yes! I had a beloved old English Sheepdog who died under suspicious circumstances (I think someone kicked her, and she never got well). She was my "baby" and very best friend. She never lied to me or cheated unlike humans. She knew when I cried that I was sad and would put her nose in my lap. I await her return on resurrection day. She is buried next to my garden that she loved to be near with me.
Posted September 15, 2008
EelKat says:
I currently have 13 cats, 1 dog, and 40+ birds (I lost count of them). Right now I have the least amount of pets I've ever had in my life, there was one point when there were over 200 pets at one time. All together over the years I've had more than 500 pets.
A question I am constantly asked is "How can you have so many animals? Don't you just want to get rid of them?"
My answer is always the same: "Would YOU get rid of YOUR babies? These pets are more than just animals to me, they are like children to me. I would never get rid of any of them. I dare you suggest such a thing!"
Each and every one of them has a name and each has a unique personality. All of them are loved dearly. I wouldn't have my life any other way.
Posted September 08, 2008
JaguarJulie says:
OMG, we now have an extended family of an additional dozen or so with the feral cat colony that I've taken under my wing. Thanks to help from hubby, they've become close to us ... I really worry tremendously if we go away for any length of time. They are so dependent on us; yes, they're like members of the family.
Posted September 07, 2008
Chrisblue says:
I have 3 cats at the moment and they are definately members of the family. They're my fur-kids. I have Mickey (an 18 year old Maine Coone), Tyty (a 15 year old brown tabby female), and Peaches (a one year old orange tabby girl). The youngest is best buddies with my 5 year old son, and he's thrilled that they get to grow up together. She wakes him up in the morning by licking his hair or forehead.
Since I'm not having any more children, Peaches serves a double purpose as fur kid and comforter. I needed something small, warm, and comforting to hold, and she really fit the bill. Every day, we have quiet time in the morning when she cuddles against my chest and we watch tv together. It's enormously comforting for both of us. Sigh.
And the cat's personalities are just like kids. They fight or play just like siblings, and even become jealous if one gets more attention than the other.
Cats are not just pets to us. They are Family members. I would never be without my furry little ones. :o)
Posted June 10, 2008
No, they are just animals!
I'd love to hear about your pets!
Whether you have a pet now or have fond memories of a pet you used to own, I'd love to hear about it!
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- HorseAndPony HorseAndPony Nov 11, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
- Great lens. We love having pets. Our house pets include one wonderful and two funny cats. We also have two horses and a pony. Love them all. They make every day a joy.
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- Norma_Budden Norma_Budden Nov 13, 2009 @ 12:14 am
- I'm sure my daughter would love to visit your place; she absolutely loves horses. I enjoy them, too, but she struggles living without them. It just isn't feasible while living in the colder temperatures of northern Canada.
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- Norma_Budden Norma_Budden Oct 30, 2009 @ 11:53 pm | in reply to Susi_Pittman
- Thanks, Susi. I'll stop by your lens shortly. :)
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- Susi_Pittman Susi_Pittman Oct 30, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
- Nice lens! You've got some really helpful information here. Please feel free to stop by my lens and say hi when you get the chance.
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- Tiddledeewinks Tiddledeewinks Sep 15, 2008 @ 1:16 am
- I have many pets buried in my yard. It will be crowded on resurrection day! Check out my lens- DoAnimalsGoToHeaven.
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by Norma_Budden
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