Some may think that taking care of a pet while raising a family is too much of a complication. But for these parents, the benefits and rewards that come with having a furry family member outweigh any challenges. And in these unprecedented times, some parents have found that taking care of a dog or a cat — or both! — can actually do wonders for children’s well-being.
“When kids were not allowed to play outside and could not interact with other children, our pets were [keeping] them company,” Jonathan Uy, a dad of two, tells Smart Parenting. “In a way, life during the pandemic became bearable because we have cats that bring immense joy to us.”
Jonathan isn’t alone in this sentiment. Here are some of the ways having dogs and cats at home made a positive impact on kids:
Pets provide children with companionship
As a father to an only child, JR Santiago is grateful for his family’s pets — Charlie, a Shih Tzu, and Connor, a Persian cat — because they made his daughter, 8-year-old Zoe, feel less alone at home.
“Having no siblings, Zoe gets support and companionship from our pets, especially when my wife and I are busy working,” JR shares. “I would say that they are playmates because sometimes, I find our cat, Connor, wearing a silly hat that Zoe would put on him. The same goes with our dog, Charlie, who loves to play with Zoe and give her kisses.”
It was an easy decision for JR and his wife to have pets around their child since both of them grew up surrounded by animals. And now, seeing how much joy their pets bring into their home proves that this decision was a good one.
“Charlie adores Zoe and the feeling is mutual,” JR says. “But we think Zoe is more of a cat person since she is always very affectionate to Connor.”
Pets offer unconditional love
Ellie, 6, and Lillie, 4, adore their Golden Retriever, Venice. According to mom, Debbie Berbenzana, her girls love their dog so much that they make sure Venice is part of every family activity — from going on walks to the park to sleeping at night on the same bed!
Fortunately, their pet has no problem reciprocating this love. “Venice would always be beside the girls whenever they’re upset or crying. She would try to comfort the girls by licking them on their chin,” the mom shares.
Debbie even noticed how protective their dog is to her children: “[When the girls were sick], Venice never left their side — [checking] up on them and [licking] them from time to time. She really is a hero to the girls. They always have fun when they swim, and since our youngest can’t swim yet, she [holds onto] Venice’s back when they are in the pool.”
Another very telling sign that Venice has become an important part of the girls’ lives? How Ellie’s behavior actually changed for the better. “Our eldest used to be very, very grumpy before we got a dog,” the mom points out. “She still is now, but one lick from our furry family member and her frown would go away.”
Pets teach children compassion
For Jonathan, kids who learn to take care of pets at an early age grow up to be individuals who love and care for all living things. He explains: “We believe that pets can bring more harmony and joy into our house. With early exposure to animals, [kids] learn the importance of other living things.”
At present, 12 Turkish Angora and Persian cats bring so much life and joy to his family — including to his children, 9-year-old Sophia and 2-year-old Kenshin.
“Sophia is very much attached to our furbabies. She is the one who volunteers to feed and pet them,” the dad shares. “When our alpha cat mom had a new kitten, my daughter was very attentive. She helped and guarded the [kitten] as if she were the mom.”
His son isn’t any different, which delights Jonathan. “At the young age of 2, Kenshin already learned to be gentle with our cats. He hugs them whenever he wants!”
Pets help kids learn to be responsible
Getting kids to help in taking care of a pet is a great way to teach them responsibility. According to Debbie, her daughters have become so accustomed to doing certain pet care tasks that they now take the initiative to do these.
“Our eldest would always refill our dog’s bowl when she sees that it’s almost empty,” the mom shares. “They sometimes help when we’re giving the dog a bath and drying her. They were also very much willing to pick up the dog’s poop when she was still a puppy!”
The same is the case for JR, saying, “There would be times when [Zoe] would be the one to get the pet food from our drawers and she would scoop out the food for both Charlie and Connor. She also helps in bathing Charlie.”
So, how do these parents reciprocate the good things their pets have done and continue to do for their kids? They give them a loving home, take care of their needs, and treat them as members of the family.
“It is important that they are well-taken care of for them to be with us longer,” Debbie emphasizes. And she and the other two parents agree that giving them proper and complete nutrition should be a top priority.
“We always give [our pets] the right kind of food and we avoid giving them human food,” JR explains. “Doing so helps us ensure that our pets get all the nutrients they need so they can have long and healthy lives.”
When it comes to pet food, cat and dog owners can definitely rely on and trust Royal Canin.
Royal Canin is a pet food brand that values tailored nutrition for dogs and cats. It offers a wide range of food options suitable for a pet’s breed size, age, and even sensitivities. Check out some of Royal Canin’s products here:
Taking care of pets requires commitment — not just financially but emotionally — but it’s worth it! For parents who are debating with themselves whether to get a family pet, here are some words of wisdom from Jonathan:
“Do your research and you will find out that having a family pet is more advantageous. When you have a cat or dog in your house, you learn [another] meaning of love. You also immerse your kids in an environment where humans and animals can get along together.”
Learn more about Royal Canin and its products at royalcanin.com/ph. For updates, follow Royal Canin PH’s Facebook page.
