Life Without Pets: What would that world be like?
The other day, a friend emailed with an interesting suggestion for a blog item. She was wondering what it would be like if for some unknown reason, having a pet share our hearts and homes was all of a sudden prohibited and we were no longer permitted to have furry, feathered and finned as companions. Since I had never dreamed of this as a possibility, I had to take some time to carefully think about what she was asking.
So even considering this question for a moment upset me so greatly that I actually became speechless. Who in their right mind would even entertain that hypothetical and inconceivable notion? Since most of us assume that our pets are family members, being deprived of their unconditional love and loyalty would leave a huge hole in our hearts, and change our lives immensely. Such devoted companionship is a privilege which is earned and one which is treasured immensely.
While there are folks who don't share our abiding love for the non-human species who contribute to our lives in such amazing ways, I always feel that these folks haven't had the opportunity to really explore the deep bonds that develop between humans and animals. It actually makes me sad when I meet some of these folks who actually have not experienced the depth of relationships we have with our pets which we may so often take for granted.
The world would become a rather dull and lifeless place for me. Waking up without our two cats purring by my face, patiently waiting for me to awaken to give them breakfast, and indeed if I linger too long in dreamland, a gentle paw patted on my cheek to remind me that I am way behind in their schedule, is something to which I have become completely accustomed, and which brings me a great deal of joy.
Then of course, watching them play in delight with a new toy, or finding something around the house that catches their interest, always keeps me amused and deeply honored that they trust me sufficiently to let me in on their little games. I particularly enjoy our cat Hubble who frequently gifts me with a long and thorough "shampoo", which is incredibly relaxing. I almost always fall asleep when he is busy making sure that no predator will be able to detect my scent.
Cats and horses have contributed so much to me over the years. Not only with their loving and trusting personalities, but they have given me many opportunities to meet so many wonderful people with whom I have become close friends who share that incredible gift; the ability to love and be loved by the animals in their lives.
Would your life be significantly changed if you could no longer be in relationship with a companion pet? Leave a comment and tell us how you feel.
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Comments (12)
Vicki August 13, 2009 5:17 PM
For many years I have had multiple pets. Each time I have lost one it has been horrible. Not to sound cliche, but they are family members. Some have been harder to lose than certain family members. I can't imagine not being allowed to have them. They bring much joy, and peace to my life.
Donna August 13, 2009 6:00 PM
Like Vicki, every time I lose a pet, it's like losing a family member. They are so full of UNCONDITIONAL love...
Coming home to an empty house, being divorced and single, would be almost unbearable. Pirate or one of the others is at the computer room window when I'm due home from work, and they watch me pull into the driveway.
When I'm sad or crying, they want to get in my lap, they want to sleep beside me (or on top of me)...letting me know they are there for me.
I have 5 cats right now, and since my daughter (and catsitter) is moving over 1000 miles away in a few weeks, I think 5 will be my top number. But have no fear...when I reach just two...there will be two more to join them, hopefully littermates to grow up and old together along with me.
jmuhj August 13, 2009 6:29 PM
Cats having always been my life, I don't honestly know how I would live without cats in my life; but I suppose that, if that horrendous occurrence ever happened, I'd be pounding on the shelter doors and scanning the ads to adopt a new clowder. Rescue is my life! Advocacy, too. Cats are the lights of my life and the joys of my being, as well as my beloved family members.
Skylark August 13, 2009 6:56 PM
I simply cannot imagine life without pets. It wouldn't be a complete life at all, would it?
Reno August 13, 2009 7:35 PM
I absolutely could not live without my fur kids. I like them so much better than people. :)
Diana August 13, 2009 9:10 PM
I'm living that dream - or nightmare, really - right now. Dog and cat both died of old age but animal-hating father-in-law is still hanging in there. I've told him that when he dies I', calling the animal shelter before I'm calling the funeral home.
Heather August 13, 2009 11:12 PM
All my life I've always had dogs, that was until I first came to Fla. back in '94. I'd been downsized from company I'd worked 25 yrs for, unemployment ran out as back then it was only 6 mons one could get it for and rather than live in my car with a greyhound I had to return him to where I'd adopted him from. That day I lost the only friend I ever had. I moved to Fla to live with my mom till she too left me for a better place. Coming back to an empty place was not a good thing so the doctor I was seeing at that time agreed to write a letter to our condo association stating I needed a dog. I was able to find one small enough to be paper trained and not have to go outside. She is my constant companion and has made life worth living again. Good topic Jo and wonderful picture too.
Ruth from England August 14, 2009 5:18 AM
I've never known life without pets around. At home we had rabbits, guinea pigs, budgies, canaries, and then dogs as we kids grew older. For the last 35 years though I've had my first love ...cats ...
I worked with animals and do voluntary work for animals,in fact animals always have been and still are, my life.
Without them the world would be very empty.
Jessy In Ill. August 14, 2009 10:52 AM
I have had a pet most of my 48 years of life.. it was either a dog,pony or cat.. to a mouse to hamster.. I cant think of my life without one..
I know there are heartships with any fur kid. that we love them and they are called home,but i know with all that is in me that when i get old I will NOT be without a fur kid as they are apart of me,apart of my family.
Amy August 14, 2009 10:57 AM
Hum never thought about much. Animals have a way of adopting us. They can't read so they don't have to follow the rules I guess.
Martin August 18, 2009 12:09 PM
They are great teachers and I'm a greatful student as we journey together sharing the "buzzing confusion". A great chasim would be there without them. I am truly blessed .
REALITY August 19, 2009 1:00 AM
It would be a world without endless suffering of lonely, abused, starving and abandoned animals. Oh, and a few selfish humans would be upset.
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