Sometimes I really miss having a pet. I know I have the worms, but I sometimes I need a little more to love. I had always grown up with a various menagerie around me. From dogs, cats, chooks, mice, rabbits, guinea fowl, fish. There was always something to love. Living in a flat in the city, yes we could get a small dog or cat. However the moment just hasn’t seemed right yet. The added responsibility for me isn’t something I have been ready for. We don’t have a backyard, and The Monkeys keep me occupied enough for the moment.
The Monkeys however, I think would really benefit from having a pet around. Everyone benefits from it. Pets bring a certain amount of joy to people’s lives. So I had to go looking for a pet… that we could give back. Off to the local Vets, with our noses squashed against the glass, we eyed off the Re-home Kitten… Wonder if she needs some love?
The Veterinary hospital is really big. Holiday homing an array of animals, a day grooming room along with the usual run of pets in need of help. The window had been full of kittens that needed a home and now there was one left, and she was getting cuddles whether she wanted them or not. I put on a big smile and asked sweetly whether there were any animals we could cuddle for a while. The staff were really kind and brought out the little kitten straight away, and then also a 6 month old terrier X that was boarding with them as well.
Enter Peggy…ah Peggy.
She stole my heart and is yet to give it back. If I could have taken her home that afternoon I would have. Space and responsibility be damned. 45 minutes later, the staff had let us maul their pup and kitten long enough. It was time to give them back. We left smelling of dog shampoo and covered in fur. The Monkeys and I were smiling from ear to ear. I had got the pet therapy I had been after and Monkey Boy…well he knew we were going to the playground next.
For people living in cities wanting a bit of pet therapy there are a few ways to get it. Quite often animal rescue outlets are happy for you to come in and help “socialize” some of their re-home pets. This helps them see which animals are suitable for children, families, singles’, etc. These outlets along with veterinarians may need help with cleaning out cages, dog walking etc. You never know what a big friendly smile will get you.
cityhippyfarmgirl 
What a lovely adventure and one I’ll be sure to do soon. I too live in a small space, I’m hardly ever there but often entertain the thought of bringing home a fluffy furry animal to splash love upon before reality hits and I think of what life would be like for the furry fluffy with me gone so much & put the thought away for ‘another time’. Great suggestion.
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You touch me with this post Bydie. We have pets now, but like you had a huge gap from childhood till recently.
I used to walk neighbours’ dogs to get my furry cuddle fix and then we looked after a dog when the owner was in hospital for a very long time.There are lots of ways to ‘share’ pets with people or organizations like the vets and the rescue centres – great idea!
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What a lovley idea! I didn’t know people could do this type of thing. Wonderful for both the animal and the person.
I know someone who is keeping a guide dog puppy for a year or so – although they have a backyard. It’s the cutest thing, when he’s out in public he wears a coat with fleuro “L” plates on it. 🙂
I really believe that animals lower our stress levels.
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I don’t know if you remember but I used to walk dogs at a rescue facility in your suburb many years ago… once a week for an hour I would walk those poor hounds that were waiting for their forever homes. Many had been there for years- poor things. Pleased to say that I still help out regularly, at a different rescue organisation… this time with both my kids involved. We ‘socialise’ the cats… it’s a hoot!
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What a lovely way to introduce your children to the fun and responsibility of pet ownership. So many children receive puppies and kittens for Christmas and birthdays only to find that they aren’t ready yet to take care of an animal.
I get my pet yearnings taken care of at my niece’s . From the moment I walk in until I walk out several hours late a furry mess, I have a cat in my lap and a dog at my knee. They get plenty of love from their owners, but think I’m a bonus in their lives!:)
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Peggy is simply gorgeous! I can see how it must have been hard to give her back…
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Anna- it is an easy option if you want to give the pets back. Just hard to give them back sometimes!
Joanna- You are right there are so many ways to ‘share’ pets, also so many pets to take on that need a home. I’m probably lucky there is no backyard for us. It would be filled with elderly animals that need a little love.
Christine- They do lower stress levels greatly, even our little fish used to. I like the idea of the guide dog wearing L plates. If I had the space I have often thought I would like to do that. There are also the dogs used for customs that need initial homes as well…then they need homes when they retire.
Nimity- That place closed down long ago. I think the whole building was destined to be demolished last time I saw.
Heidiannie- any extra love is always a bonus. For animals or people 🙂
Celia- Peggy was a once in a life time dog I suspect. Gorgeous dog.
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