As a child, I once had a possum as a pet, which imparted some valuable lessons about responsibility and affection. However, I quickly learned that loving a possum is a challenge, and it was clear that it felt very little love in return. Growing up in the countryside, I had the opportunity to care for a variety of animals: dogs, cats, birds, turtles, fish, rabbits, hamsters, and even pigs. We experienced nearly every type of pet imaginable—except for ferrets, which my mother simply couldn’t tolerate. Some of these animals became lifelong companions, while others sadly met untimely fates. Regardless, my love for pets shaped my identity as an adult.
Now, I find myself feeling disappointed that my children won’t have the same experiences, as we currently reside in a small apartment that doesn’t allow dogs or cats. Recently, my 5-year-old son has been asking for a fish. Yet, I hesitate to agree. To me, the essence of having a pet lies in the ability to cuddle, play, and interact—none of which can be achieved with a fish. At this stage in my life, with two kids and a job, when I see an enticing aquarium, I can’t help but think, “Who will take care of the algae?”
I can’t shake the feeling that my sons might be missing out on something significant by not having a pet. Caring for our various animals taught me about responsibility and dependence. Even at the age of five, I felt the weight of their reliance on me for food and care. I vividly remember accompanying my mother to the vet and helping with their injuries. The experience with the possum reinforced that, regardless of my feelings toward a creature, if I take it in, I am responsible for it. These lessons have endured into my adulthood; even simple tasks, like packing water bottles for a day out, echo my mother’s voice reminding me, “All creatures need fresh water!”
I believe it’s crucial for children, particularly boys, to practice caring for another being. This not only involves the fundamental aspects of care—like feeding and providing water—but also fosters an appreciation for nurturing. In today’s world, where academic achievement often overshadows these lessons, children may not develop the empathy and responsibility that comes from pet ownership. Pets can serve as an initial step towards understanding care beyond oneself, and it saddens me that my sons are missing this opportunity.
While having a pet isn’t feasible for us right now, I know there are many other avenues for children to learn empathy and responsibility. Many individuals grow up without pets and still acquire these essential skills. There are countless opportunities to assist and care for others in need, and I hope my children will cultivate a desire to help when the time comes. My yearning for a pet likely stems from nostalgia for my own childhood, which was so different from my children’s urban lifestyle.
In my case, the possum we rescued was far from grateful. In fact, he would bite whenever he got the chance. Once he healed, our vet advised that we release him back into the wild to maintain his natural instincts. So, we opened his cage, and without a second glance, he scuttled off into the underbrush, never to be seen again.
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In summary, while pets can provide invaluable lessons about responsibility and empathy, not all children will have the opportunity to experience this. There are many ways to learn these skills, and it’s essential to remember that nurturing can take various forms.