“Man's best friend' one of the oldest sayings known could and should be different.
Many owners would say “man's best friend' even though 90% of pet owners will say they consider their pet as part of their family and quite rightly so. Just as we do with children, when you bring your cat/dog/kitten/puppy into your home we welcome them with open arms and look after them and care for them as best we can. As with babies and toddlers, we feed them, watch them grow, and teach them right from wrong. The same can be said with our pets. Cats and dogs are very bright and do understand us and learn quickly. Just as children do, pets alert us in different ways as to their needs whether it be by barking or your dog may come up to you to get your attention and then proceed to the door and hit it with their paw to advise us, they need out for the toilet. If they are looking for attention and want a clap, they may again come up to you and use their nose to move your hand. They also have many other ways to communicate with us just as our kids do too and through time, we learn these and there is an understanding between us and our pets of these various actions. I am sure almost every dog understands and would react to the questions “Do you want to go for a walk”, and “Do you want a treat”, etc. Cats and dogs are highly intelligent and do have an understanding and great connection with humans which is a fantastic quality.
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A number of studies have highlighted the love for a pet from the owners. In a study by Sandra Baker and Randolph Baker in the 1980s, participants who were dog owners were asked to complete what is known as the Family life space diagram (FLSD) in which symbols representing family members and dogs are placed within a drawn circle representing one's “life space”. In 38% of the diagrams, the dog was placed closer to the self than the other family members! Similar studies of pets’ placements within a family constellation have similar results as pets are quite often drawn very close to the center actually closer than human family members. When asked which one person someone would take to a desert island a surprising number of people say, “my dog” or “my cat” rather than “my husband” or “my wife”!
We all know the real definition of family is either people who are related through a common ancestor or typically two parents and their children which would obviously not include the pet. However, when you take a pet into your home you are bringing them into your family circle and are agreeing to treat them just as you would and as part of your family. Just like your loved ones you care for them and look after them to the best of your ability and would do anything and everything you can for them. The average lifespan of cats is two to sixteen years and dogs are ten to thirteen years. However, it has been known that a dog can live up to even sixteen years or longer, and this in all accounts is a big part of anyone’s life. Pets are a big commitment, but they bring so much joy and happiness into our homes that we don’t look at them as being any different than our own family members. We have had so many good times with them over the years and love them as we do our human family. Making the stereotypical thought of them only being best friends invalid but being much more than something closer than a friend … family.
When pets pass away, just like family members we need to grieve their loss. And it takes time to come to terms with that loss as there is a big void in the family unit just the same as with humans. You see your pet every day. You don’t see your extended family as much as that. Some people after the loss of their pet can never have another pet due to the bond, they once had with the pet. This comes with the memories that one has made with the animal and constant reminders that someone loves them and relies on them which the pet surely does.
As you may have guessed I am a pet owner. I have an Australian Labradoodle named Mollie who is nearly seven years old. Mollie is considered part of our family and just as we do, she has the run of the house and is loved and cared for greatly. We even go to the extent of including her on birthday cards, Christmas cards, etc., and even our extended family gives her own birthday cards, etc. I look forward to coming in from school, etc., and Mollie being there to greet me as I am sure most other dog owners do. She is always so happy to see me, and she runs down the stairs as fast as she can and leaps up to get her cuddle when I return home. I enjoy this as much as she does. Although she cannot hold a conversation with us, we all speak to her and know that she understands when we are in need of comfort and is happy to give us kisses and cuddles. She is a fantastic member of our family and is highly regarded by us all. We love her with all of our hearts, and we would be lost without her for sure. She is and always will be a family member. We hope she is with us for a very long time yet as we have many more great times ahead of us, we all believe.
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