Making the decision to have a dog or cat is a big step. As pet owners, most of us treat our pets like our children. If we don't have children, then for most of us, our pets are our children.

I have known many people over the years that have had pets prior to kids as a trial run before children. When you think about it, pets can require a much longer commitment just because they don't grow up and move out. This sheds a whole new light on getting a pet right?

I don't think people think about how long of a commitment it is to raise a cat or dog. Some can live 20+ years. That's sometimes longer than our children stay with us and you are feeding your pet, taking them to the doctor and boarding them when you take a vacation.

At least with children, there comes a time when they can stay on their own. Then they move away and go to college, eventually marrying and finally starting their own life with someone else. Well, I know that children do come and go and are always going to need us to some extent, but cat's and dog's can't survive without us.

Loving your pets is what we do unconditionally. But had we realized that we were actually taking on a longer commitment then our children per say, this might have made us rethink that decision. Our pet can bring us great joy and companionship, but they are always there.

Don't' get me wrong; I would not trade either my cats or dog for anything. But when my daughter wanted the cats, little did I know that she would be gone before they were. Now, here I am, my daughter's off and enjoying her life of carefree comings and goings and I have to hire a pet sitter.

I never realized it until now. It's funny to me remembering when my daughter was becoming increasingly independent and getting ready to venture out on her own. I felt sadness that she would be leaving soon, but now realizing I have the cats to keep me company is a blessing.

All our pets desire is food, affection and a warm lap to sit in. Love your pets like you've loved your children and they will be there for you when the kids have come and gone. They are all gifts and we can't keep them forever, but we are lucky enough to have them for a time and that is the true gift.

Now this should make you think long and hard about your decision to get a pet. As long as you realize that getting a pet is just like a child, a lifetime commitment, then you can make the responsible choice for you and your family. Just remember that the pets can last longer then your kids, but the kids will always come home.

Have an Animal that you Care For? Check out Catherine's favorite Pet Supplies for Dogs online store that uses nature's best ingredients. They have the most wonderful Natural Organic Dog Shampoos available.

Related posts:

1. Are You Ready To Travel With Your Pet?
2. Labrador Retrievers Make Great Family Pets
3. Help for Those Thinking of Adding the Wonderful Addition to Their Family: How to Pick a Puppy
4. Making A Choice For The English Mastiff Breed For A Family Friend

Customers Recently Purchased:

Snuggle Up: 8 Lap Quilts to Warm Your Home List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $9.95 You save: $10.00 (50%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Draped over the couch, nestled by the fire, folded next to your favorite easy chair--every spot needs a snuggle-up quilt! These quilts are casual, cozy, and easy as a breeze to make. · Choose from eight warm and inviting traditional quilts · Quick-to-stitch patterns are easy enough for all skill levels · You’ll find these quilts are big enough to cuddle under but small enough to finish with no trouble

HEARTLAND 21000 Dryer Vent Closure List Price: $54.13 Sale Price: $15.50 You save: $38.63 (71%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Vista Point LAPLAND Finland Sale Price: $2.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Emprum UltiMate GPS Receiver for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and desktop/laptop computers Sale Price: $98.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Emprum's UltiMate GPS receiver plugs directly into the 30pin dock connector of your iPod touch, iPhone and iPad and can be used with your PC (Mac/Windows/Linux) as well. The accessory is powered either by your iPod touch, iPhone or iPad, or over USB from your computer or wall charger...

Written by Catherine V. Testaratti using tags: warm lap