Pets teach children important lessons of grief
I have never known a life without a pet. My earliest memories include my two dogs, General and Kukui, who left a lasting impact even though they are not with us anymore. Now, seven years later, as I welcome new pets into my life, I find myself comparing them to the high standard that General and Kukui have set. Since their passing, my family has invited several new dogs and cats into our home, and with each adoption we are reminded of General and Kukui’s legacy. Not only were they the best of friends to each other, but also to my sister and I as we grew up. They were there to clean up the floor as food fell from our highchairs and as we took our first solo walks to Starbucks. During their lives, they taught me so much about responsibility and unconditional love. But even more than that, they taught me how to grieve.
While I will always love and cherish the memories I have with them, nothing can compare to the lessons they left with me. Growing up with pets taught me how to care for someone besides myself, how to take responsibility and ultimately how to love. The idea that pets not only bring joy but also teach essential life lessons about grief is a hard pill to swallow. It is difficult to think about the fact that the cute energetic puppy you got on Christmas morning will soon be 13-years-old and live off of medicine and short walks around the block.
Throughout the years, I have seen many people pass in and out of my life, some leaving memories or lessons as they go, but the most notable have been those of my pets. Human relationships are always in question and uncertain, but with pets it is an equal give and take. As long as they have walks, food and love, they will never fail to bring a sense of comfort. Coming home from a stressful day of school to a wagging tail is one of the best feelings in the world. But one day, when you least expect it, the wag will become a little less fast and the run to the door a little more slow.
In addition to the tough lesson of grief, every child should be given the opportunity to care for something or someone other than themselves. Whether it be a great dane or a hamster, every kid should have a pet to care for. While pets always leave us too soon, the lessons they teach last a lifetime.
