I had always hope that my write up will ease my readers, to take away the feeling of being alone, and to share and relate with them true life experience that would be beneficial for everyone.
If you missed that post, it is here. I'll probably just add on to the post if there are more to add on to the list, so come along, drop me a comment. For all you know, your comment might be quoted and added on. *winks*
So, it's almost weekend, and through the week, I read many passings of pets and it saddened me. Not really on the passing although it did bring it memories of my own pets passing long ago, but more for the comments that came along with it.
You see...
Pets are FAMILY
These pets are not mere animals! They are family. Especially for home pets like dogs and cats for they are very much involved in your everyday activity. They come to you and communicate in a language only you would understand just by looking at its tail, the sound of its meow/bark, the twinkle in the eyes or simply the way it walks.
There for you
As strange as it may sounds, these pets are always there for you. When you cry, maybe your dog end up snuggling next to you, or maybe he'd lick your tears. Or maybe your cat end up purring next you as if she is consoling you, and maybe nudge your chin up.
Always excited at your arrival
Like kids, these pets get excited when you appear at the door. They greet you. Okay, fine! Maybe they are just hungry. Can I say the same for a little baby or toddler? These pets, they have feelings too. They are excited that you are there to spend time with them.
Ok maybe not so much for cats especially when they get older, they mind their own business most of the time. Trust me, they'd have you in their mind first thing they get a little nervous or scared. I know, cats are a little egoistic, they don't usually show they are scared, they'd just walk to you with that arrogant face and curl to sit near you, close enough for security I'd say.
Ok maybe not so much for cats especially when they get older, they mind their own business most of the time. Trust me, they'd have you in their mind first thing they get a little nervous or scared. I know, cats are a little egoistic, they don't usually show they are scared, they'd just walk to you with that arrogant face and curl to sit near you, close enough for security I'd say.
When they get sick
It can make a hole in your pocket, but that worry and that skipping heartbeat is worth the penny. Just like how a baby get sick and you won't give a second thought about rushing to the hospital and foot a $200 bill.
Everywhere in the house
Cats and dogs alike. They can be everywhere in the house! They can sit at the fenced up window ledge just while you make your coffee. They spring up to your keyboard just when you are getting busy typing an essay that is due tomorrow morning. They jumped on your face before the alarm goes off at 6am. They sidesway your legs as you were watching tv. They leaped on your lap as you are about to eat dinner.
And when they are gone...
How can owners not grieve when these pets are no longer around? How can owners just simply put behind all these memories and just move on? How can owners be over and done with the grief over just one day? How can you expect these owners to just be okay and not cry when they see old photos of their pets? How can you expect them to just be back to how they were before they own these pets?
Everything of their everyday life reminds them of these pets who had just passed. So don't....
If you don't know what to say, just don't say a word at all.. The grief is real, as real as it would be with a human.
Then I came across people who underestimate these pets' needs. Often we see people who always think that the smaller the pet, the less maintenance, or the lesser space it'd need.
I don't believe in that. I believe in reading about these animals you want to adopt and keep as pets first. What they eat, how they live, how they play, how they express, what common illness to look out for, what vet to go to, how much would the monthly expence be. ALL these needs looking into when you are considering a pet. Don't adopt just because you "LOVE" them.
Personal Space
Everyone needs personal space, just like us, humans.
Cats/Dogs
Their personal space pretty much occupy the whole house, if you ask me. Just like how we would need all that space. However, we can always guide them of their territorial space - where they can be alone and do what they want, I'd say about 10 square metres or so. It'd be like us in our own room, where we do our alone time doing what we wanna do.
My personal opinion would be that both would need a backyard space on top of that with grass and what not. That to me is like having a toilet for us human. Plus, I believe those grass are actually medicine for them (well for cats, I know it is - not too sure about dogs), they know when they need them.
Hamsters
These animals are small alright, but they need a large space. For syrians, naturally because they are indeed large, they'd need at least 3000 square cm base space, that'd come to about 75cm x 40cm minimum. So go larger if you can!
My 2-Tee, a Normal Winter White, lives in her 45cm x 50cm cage which comes to over 2000 square cm base space.
And for ROBO, although they are the smallest, BUT they do need much more space for they are typically very active. I'd say a 1m x 50cm deep kindda base would do good.
AGAIN, go bigger if you can.
As for other rodents, I don't have much knowledge, but I guess double up what a hamster need for their size is definitely more than just double the size of a hamster, or maybe they can occupy the whole room. I know some people who actually let their Chinchillas have one room of their apartment.
FOOD
Different animal eat different food - obviously. So, what kind of food is healthy for them?
Research, and find out. Doesn't mean you cat loves Salmon, it is good for her. Likewise for hamsters, doesnt mean it loves sunflower seed, it is good for them. Go do some research okay? And choose the healthier choice, snacks should remain snacks, given once a week or once forthnightly. I mean would you feed you children salted fries everyday? Definitely not!
As for drinks, pls do change their water every 3 days at least. Best is to change it daily.
Exercise
Everyone needs to exercise. Find out a good exercise regime for your pet. It really doesnt mean your pets need to hit the gym per se. Some pets exercise through play. Some just need minor adjustments to the house to initiate them to move their butts.
Vet
Oh no, something is just not right! Do you have a vet list? Have you asked fellow pet owners about their services and charges? Are you ready? Do you know what to expect?
As much as we hope our pets are always healthy, they are still living things that may get sick. Be ready for it. And know where to head down to when it hits.
Do know that vets can be expensive, but it may deem necessary to save your pets' life. Don't compromise on it. Most pets are capable of hiding their pain and sickness, so when you start noticing it, it may be pretty bad already..
With all that said, I hope more people will consider thoroughly before getting a pet, because it is not very nice seeing people get a pet only to "give it away" because they don't have time or means to care for it.
Well, that is about I want to cover today. If you think I missed some points that is important, do drop me a comment.
For those who have just lost your pet, do know they are at a better place. And take your time.
Wassalam,
Jun
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