Pets Make The Best Companions - Where Else Can You Get Unconditional Love?

I have never had children, only pets. Some people ask me if I have missed not having kids and my answer to that is I do have children the only difference being they bark or meow instead of talk and they have four legs instead of two.

As I am writing this article my two little dogs Cino and kenji are zooming around the house with Bubbles nicknamed my honouree son because he comes to visit a lot. They are all boys and like nothing more than to play together. They have more toys than you can imagine and after a session together there are toys from one end of the house to the other. Now I like a tidy home but nothing delights me more than watching these guys have a good time.

When I take the three of them out for a walk they strut their stuff in unison and all come to a complete halt at the sight of a tree or lamp post where they all leave their scent then trot off again with me often in tow. I recently bought them all matching sweaters and the sight of them walking down the road seems to bring out the very best in people as they smile and say how cute they are.

Like children they can be a real handful but when I look into their eyes and see the love they have for me I soon forget how Bubbles momentarily forgot his toilet training or Kenji who is a real thief has stolen my credit card off the coffee table and hidden it somewhere in the house. They are the light of my life and would not trade them for all the tea in China though there are times when I dream of a little girl Maltese with a pink bow in her hair sitting by my side while we both watch my boys tear up the house.

My other three kids were a fascination of the Egyptians and always impress me with their independent ways. Lulu, Romeo and Panda are all rescue cats and apart from Madam Lulu get on very well with my canine boys. As much as cats enjoy the night I have a curfew on account of Romeo being constantly beaten up by my neighbours boy Black bear. Romeo is definitely a lover not a fighter as the trips to the vet have resulted in some intense head surgery. He is an absolutely beautiful boy in fact I think a lot of ladies would wish their boyfriends were like Romeo who certainly lives up to the name he was given.

I have five children and when they are tucked up in their little beds at night I feel very lucky that they have become part of my life. They give me unconditional love and a loyalty not always seen in some people. so I know I am truly blessed to be loved by these guys I call my children.

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Unconditional Love Between Pets and Children

The death of a family pet may be the most traumatic loss your children face. Young children develop very strong and deep feelings about the animals in their lives. They may think of them as siblings, companions, playmates and protectors.

Unconditional Love Exists Between Pets and Children

A few years ago, I was writing an article on resilient children called "Be A Bounce Back KId." as part of the research I interviewed a dozen 5th grade and younger children about what they did to bounce back from a disappointment or a particularly bad time in their lives.

I was very surprised to find that the number one comfort for the kids was pets and animals. Those who had live pets in their lives or neighborhood would go to them for comfort and companionship. Those that did not have live pets, had a stuffed animal which represented comfort for them.

Many expressed the belief that the animals loved them unconditionally. It did not matter if they got a D in school or wasn't chosen for the school play. Their dog was happy to see them anyway. Laughing and playing with the pet helped them to bounce back from the bad day.

Common Concerns of Children Around the Loss of a Pet


Was it my fault for not feeding him last week?
Will he come back?
Where did he go?
Where is he right now (May want to see the body or find out where it is)
If I get sick, will you have the doctor give me a shot to make me die?
What if I go to sleep and don't wake up?
What if I forget him?
Why did God want him, he was our dog.

Parents and Other Caring Adults Teach Coping Skills

Our tendency is to try to protect small children from the harsh realities of life. However, by not acknowledging our own mourning and sadness, the child may feel less inclined to share his concerns and feelings.

They may need you to show them how to verbalize their feelings. Perhaps you can do something together that will help your child work through the emotions of grief. and remember the happy times. A good idea that has worked for others is to plant a flower, write a letter or draw a picture of playing with the pet.

You are invited to go to http://www.deathofmypet.com for more information on helping children cope with losing a pet or other death in the family. You will find specific ages and stages of understanding of children.

(c) Judy H. Wright http://www.ArtichokePress.com You have permission to reprint this article in your blog, ezine or offline magazine as long as you keep the content and contact information intact. Thank You.