Lessons From Pet-Ownership

A couple of weeks ago Ben and I got a puppy. Here is a picture of her:

Oh my goodness. Isn’t she the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen?

We named her Narnia. She was the runt of the litter. It might be hard to tell from the picture, but when we got her she weighed less than two pounds — about the size and weight of a squirrel.

Pet ownership has been an unspeakable blessing. Here are just some of the wonderful experiences that pet ownership offers me:

1. Allows me to see my husband act sexier than I’ve ever seen him in my life.

Guys, few sights are as heart-stopping than that of my bearded, six-foot-two, car-loving, Stallone-worshipping husband — who spends his days tearing up flooring and handling power tools, and comes home covered in grease stains and saw dust — get down onto his hands and knees and gently murmur, “Come out Narnia . . . it’s OK.” And to see him gingerly carry her little body up the stairs to our bedroom so she can sleep in her crate next to our bed. And to see him voluntarily get up at three in the morning to let her out to pee, even though I’ve said I’ll take care of it.

Can you say swoon-inciting? I think some immediate make-outs are in order.

2. Teaches me how giving and receiving can be the same thing.

For the first few nights, as with most new puppies, I had to get up every couple of hours to soothe her and let her out to relieve herself, because she cried mercilessly. But each time I had to get up felt like a gift. I felt privileged to be able to take care of this precious little creature who was never going to give me anything back but love.

I needed someone to give my love to, and my puppy has given me that opportunity. By receiving it, she actually gives. And by giving, I actually receive.

3. Forces me to take time to play.

In my adult-human-only world, I’d pretty much forgotten how to play. But with Narnia, if I don’t play with her every so often I feel like I’m being unfair to her. So I have to take some time out of my day to toss around her hacky-sack or  let her chase me around the backyard. And in the meantime, I gain something.

I’ve discovered that we humans tend to mix up our need to play with a need to be entertained.  Narnia — who has no capacity for entertainment — has taught me that they’re not the same thing at all. Entertainment is nice, but play is vital to life.

4. Helps me to understand moms’ temptation to post every boring development on Facebook.

While I’ll be the first to say that there are few things less interesting than hearing that a child has cut her first tooth or has had a restless night, I’ve been tempted on numerous occasions to tell the world that my puppy loves ice cubes or that she is finally learning to pee on a mat. I’m starting to understand what it feels like to think your child is the most fascinating thing on the planet. I’m developing some much-needed empathy for fellow care-givers.

5. Sensitizes me to the experiences of all animals.

Since developing my first relationship with a member of a different species, I have become increasingly sensitive to the suffering of all animals. When I see a killed deer by the side of the road, I more keenly sense the tragedy.  When I cut up a chicken for dinner, I feel more respect for the beast whose life had to be sacrificed to nourish me.

Do you own a pet? Has the experience taught you anything?