The Importance Of Pets
By Fran Watson 

When I was first married my husband traveled a lot so I bought a pet to keep me company...a turtle!

Now you may think that a turtle wouldn't really be much of a companion, but its amazing how comforting it can be just to have the energy of another living thing in your house. I knew I wasn't completely alone.

After we moved from our apartment we thought we'd get a dog, but we moved to our house and found ourselves with dogs all around. Dogs that barked and howled all night when their owners were away. Dogs that came into our yard to do their business. And we decided to opt for cats.

Lisa would bring us a present of a dead mouse each day, lay it on the steps, meow for us to come to the door and wait for the words, "good girl" before she'd eat it.

Boots followed the kids everywhere they went. He climbed ladders and posts and then one year he was just gone. We found his body in the spring in an old outhouse. Lisa lived for another 10 years and eventually died of old age at 21.

I decided not to get another cat, but now I have the fish that I bought for my son about ten years ago. He moved out but they stayed and each morning I say hello to them and talk to them a bit as I give them their food.

Pets are important in a number of ways. In addition to being a living presence, they also provide a comfort and solace in times of stress. You can tell your pet your troubles and they don't talk back or tell others what you told them.

I can remember my son as a very young child crying and hugging the cat and telling him how mean his mom was.

Pets give children an opportunity to become more responsible as they are given the task of looking after a pet - be it a fish, a gerbil, a cat, a dog, a turtle, or an iguana. Each has to be cared for, cleaned and fed, talked to and nurtured. Just as babies die from lack of contact, so can animals.

That is why it is important to ensure that you have the time and patience to care for a pet. That you know what you are getting into.

Sometimes it makes sense to borrow a pet to practice with for a while before you commit to a purchase.

If you are thinking of getting a pet, check out the local animal shelter and give a home to one of the homeless cats or dogs you find there.

But there is something more about being a responsible pet owner. You don't' want to have more pets than you can look after, so it is important to take steps to ensure that your dog or cat does not have or create more babies than you can care for.

Yes, it may cost some money to get the pet "fixed," but in the long run the cost is well worth it. If you've ever seen a dog or a cat who was starved to death, you would understand how important this is.

Bottom line - pets are important. They become a valuable member of the family, so treat them well, keep them healthy, and you can all be happy for years to come.