Lovin' the cats... Calling them the 'Boyz'May 24 '03 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Pet Care encompasses a lot of time and some expenses, but if you are up to the challenge, the rewards can be immense!
Prior to discussing The Best Things To Know About Taking Care Of Your Pet I want to emphasize the importance of carefully considering pet ownership, prior to taking the plunge. Additionally I encourage potential owners to research the adventure, from the care needed; possible expenses accrued, to the typical conduct of possible breeds considered. Successful pet ownership requires more than a mere desire for ownership. Most importantly They Require Your Time And Love. Regardless of the commitment required children glean beneficial skills when learning and carrying forth pet care responsibilities. Isn't It Cute?! I often grin at the childlike innocence that sparks the pleas for pet ownership. Children correctly observe the cute attributes of dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, and other household pets. Their yearning for pet's even ignites claims of intent to care for the animals. I honestly believe their intentions are good, but too many times they lose interest in the responsibilities of pet chores. So I believe that it is important to evaluate just how ready - and willing - they are. There was a phase of time that we were 'petless' and I have to say that our home seemed a tad bit empty. Currently we are within our second chapter of cat ownership, not counting the pets owned during my childhood days. Both of our girls assist with caring for our house cats. They each have certain pet care chores, which they are fully expected to be responsible for. Overall cat ownership has been favorable. When our girls sent out pleas for a puppy, I admit that my heartstrings were tugged. Both my hubby and I would adore having a golden retriever, or similar breed. But the fact of the matter is that we do know how much work is entailed, and we fully explained this to the children. Additionally we listed out the responsibilities required, mapped out the expenses (including food, toys, upkeep of grounds), and shared all of this information with our daughters. This allowed them to understand why ownership of a dog wasn't feasible at this time. Although we used to own a dog, and would like to, as mentioned above, we know that we don't have the time allotted to devote toward proper care, training, play, and such. Previously we had fish, which were fun to look at, but the upkeep outweighed the benefits, for this phase of time. I will openly admit that our cats are treated as members of the family, so to speak. We talk to them, cater to a portion of their whims, and carry out routines that some might flinch at. Buster and Boots have a luxurious life, receiving utmost attention, love and care. Until we can devote proper time to a dog, ownership isn't an option. Welcome Home! We welcomed Buster, as a kitten, purchasing him from a (friends) pet business. All of us devoted time toward training him to use the kitty litter box, refrain from scratching on furniture, and other needed redirections. From day one, we talked to the kitten, disciplined as needed, and helped him to feel welcome. My girls enjoy cuddling with him, as do I. We purchased a scratching post for him, several toys, and eventually a pole structure. From the start, he was an indoor only cat, a trait that has remained. However he does venture outside daily, via a harness and leash, or spends time in the batting cage (because it is a netted enclosure). I honestly feel that the time spent talking to him has contributed to the unique games he plays with the girls, and the sweet disposition that he maintains. This cat plays fetch, screeches "MaaMaa" to grasp my attention when he wants the girls or hubby to put him down, does a handful of other tricks, and comes when called (most of the time *wink*). He is proof that when you take the time to properly care for a pet, there is rewarding pay off. I spoke about his antics in my review about Whisker Lickin’s. A few years later we acquired Boots from a local no-kill shelter. This wasn't a planned venture, but has worked out well. On that particular day, I had gone with a friend, whom planned on adopting a kitten. Within a cage was a black with white accent cat. It was his sign that caught my eye. His previous owners had him declawed, and when purchasing a new home they no longer wanted him or the dog they owned. The shelter was adamant that Boots be placed in a home that would allow him to be an indoor cat. I knew that this narrowed the possible choices, but that he would fit into our environment very well. When I inquired with regard to holding him, the workers obliged. This cat immediately went in for the sale, snuggling up to my shoulder, licking my ear, and gently purring. Yes, I was taken. Again, with Boots, we have gone above and beyond meeting the basic needs. He too is treated like a member of the family unit. This cat trained us that he prefers to drink fresh water, in a bowl, in the bathtub. We allowed this to happen, and actually think it is cute. The girls adore how he follows them into the bathroom, knowing that he will get a fresh drink of water. Early into the ownership he showed adoration for high areas, so the girls created a high perch, on top of a bookshelf for him. They vacuum the bedding, another portion of pet care that they invest time toward. The Boyz Pet ownership for us, has been successful. We contribute this to pre-planning, knowing our limitations, and devoting the necessary time toward caring for the little critters. I encourage all potential pet owners to map out a plan and truly examine if time allots to properly care for the possible addition. Discuss the required responsibilities with your children, assigning them pet care chores. In turn they will see the rewards of being responsible. I honestly believe that you will get as much from the experience as you put into it. We choose to spend a ton of time talking with, grooming, caring for, playing with and snuggling with our furry guys. They are referred to as 'The Boyz' and treated as members of the family. We like it that way!  |
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