Why Do People Have Pets?
Why do we keep pets? This question was asked by a fellow Hubber Dana Teresa. It really started me thinking! Why do people have pets?
Baby When She Was A Puppy
I Always Had Pets When I Was A Child
As a child I always knew I had to have pets. My Mother seem to understand that need because she allowed me to keep any stray dog or cat that came onto our property. There was always room "for just one more" until we could find the animal a home. We usually just kept the dog or cat!
I have always loved animals. I had a wonderful childhood growing up in the country. We had lots of animals on our farm. These animals added a lot to my life as a child. These farm animals were ALL my pets. The first thing I did in the morning was to go out and and milk our cow and goat before school. Rain or shine; cold weather or hot. That was my job. Some mornings, Lucy, the cow didn’t want to stand still for me to milk her. She was a moody cow. Depending on her mood she would either stand very still for me to do my job, or she would wait until I had the bucket almost full of milk, and then she would look around at me and KICK! There would go the milk all over the ground. Nanny, the goat was always glad to see me. It didn’t take as long to milk her (goats have two teats and don’t produce as much milk at the four treated cow). My daddy depended on Nanny’s milk to drink because it helped his delicate stomach. Even though Lucy would misbehave at times, I really liked her. I liked Nanny too. They were both warm to the touch and I could talk to them about anything.
After the milking was done, my job was to slop the hogs. I was never really fond of the hogs. They just squealed a lot and smelled really bad. I’m told that miniature (potbelly) pigs make good pets, but I wouldn’t want one. Pigs have a reputation for being extremely intelligent, more so than the other animals. If they are so smart, why do they roll in the mud?
I had a horse named Molly. I could tell Molly anything. She would listen as I brushed her and combed her long tail and mane. When I came home from school, she was always waiting for me to come and get her ready to ride. She was a gentle animal and never minded being saddled and bridled.
I had pet chickens, too. Yes, chickens make great pets. They are so smart. One of my hens knew her name and she would let me pull her around in my wagon. The chickens rewarded us with eggs (and fried chicken). I hated to see my Mother catch a chicken to prepare it for dinner. I would hide and not look when she did this horrible deed!
My Best Friend As A Child Was My Dog, Chubby
My very best friend was my dog. His name was Chubby. He was a mutt. Chubby was one of many who found our home a safe refuge. He was a beautiful white dog who weighed about 50 pounds. He was by my side day and night. Chubby saved me from drowning when I was about ten years old. I had gone swimming in the creek behind our house and began to have cramps. When he heard me scream for help, he actually grabbed my bathing suit and pulled me out of the creek and onto the bank.
Every child needs a good friend to tell their troubles to, and Chubby was always there for me.
I think having and caring for animals helped to build my character and that has followed me all my life.
I Married A Man Who Would Become A Veterinarian
In all the years of growing up I was never without a dog. It was just something I had to have. When I grew up, I married a man who would become a Veterinarian. He shared my love for animals, especially the horses. I loved helping him in his practice. I would hold the animals for him to treat; even the cows and the horses.
Baby, My Miniature Schnauzer
Baby Just Got Groomed

Baby And I Go For A Walk

Baby Is Begging

Why Do We Need And Want To Have Pets?
I wonder: Why do we need and want to have pets? There are many reasons. I can only speak for myself. Other people would give different reasons and rationale. At the present time I have a four year old Miniature Schnauzer. Her name is Baby. I will tell you why I want her and need her:
Why do I want a dog like Baby?
She keeps me from spending money on stuff that I don’t need, like new clothes and jewelry. I have to buy her essentials, like sweaters when it’s cold. She gets a new collar about every month. She has to have good hair brushes and toenail trimmers.
She keeps me active and from being a couch potato. I play fetch with her even if I don’t feel like going out to play.
She causes me to be unselfish. Even when I don’t feel like it, she still expects me to take her for a walk. She insists on going for a walk at 4 p.m. every day. I think she can tell time.
She keeps me from going to the Beauty Shop to get my hair done. I save money by doing my hair myself. Her silky white hair is more important to get groomed.
I don’t go to the doctor with every little complaint. Her Veterinarian bills have to be paid first.
I don’t go to the dentist as often as I should, because she has to have the tartar cleaned from her teeth.
She keeps me from going out to eat at restaurants. I can't afford to eat out. I can barely afford her special prescribed dog food. Baby has food allergies and has to eat a special diet that only the Vet. sells.
She has taught me to have patience. Teaching a dog how to do tricks requires a lot of time and patience. I have taught Baby to sit up and beg, roll over, play dead, jump through a hoop and dance. She is extremely intelligent!
She keeps me at home where I belong. I can’t afford to board her if I want to go away. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my dog. (Unless it is a trusted member of the family). My Granddaughter came to my house and cared for her so I could go to Puerto Rico recently.
I need her love. When my family and friends neglect to spend time with me, or they are too busy with their own lives and I’m feeling lonely, Baby curls up with me and lets me know how much she cares.
I never have to sleep alone.
Baby keeps me young at heart. She makes me laugh!
They say a dog is man’s best friend: well, Baby is my best friend!
Baby Is Keeping Her Eyes Peeled For A Squirrel

Baby's Ball Is Stuck In The Fence
Baby And Me In The Pool
Having A Pet Brings Out The Best In All Of Us
Having a pet brings out the best in all of us. I think we are better people if we have a pet. I believe people have a deep seated desire to care for “something” and pets fulfill that desire.
There are many reasons why people should NOT have pets. Maybe they are unable to give the pet the unconditional love that is necessary for the pet. Maybe they just can’t afford to take proper care of a pet.
Maybe they can’t deal with the heartbreak that comes from losing a pet. That’s a subject for another article; another time.
There are those people who should NOT have pets. Those are the people who are cruel and neglect their dogs and cats. Those people should leave pet ownship to those of us who truly love animals. There are millions of us out there!
Baby On The Raft In The Pool
A Very Good Pet Forum
I have discovered a Pet Forum that I think is great. You can ask or answer any question about your pet's health or just about anything about your pet. It's so nice because you can actually discuss subjects with other pet lovers. It's a very interesting and informative Forum. Go to:
Articles I Have Written About My Pet, Baby, A Miniature Schnauzer
I invite you to read my articles I have written about Baby. These will explain a little more about why I have her as a pet. She brings happiness and joy to me!
- Thunder And Fireworks : How They Affect My Miniature Schnauzer
My Miniature Schnauzer, Baby, is terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks. This article shares my concerns and asks for advice.
- I Have A Frog In My Yard That Kills: The Bufo Boreas
This articles stresses the importance of recognizing the Bufo Frog, a killer of dogs and cats. It also advises First Aid if your pet comes into contact with a Bufo Frog.
- My Miniature Schnauzer Has Trained Me Well
Having a dog like my Miniature Schnauzer has taught me many lessons I should have learned long ago.
- My Miniature Schnauzer Has Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease
Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease, or Disc Herniation: my personal exerience with my Miniature Schnauzer who has this dsease.
A Great Hub By pagesvoice
Do You Like To Have A Pet?
Miniature Schnauzers Playing
Pet Supplies From Amazon
Comments
We have no good animal place and I have tried to make friends just to catch it, and it could have killed for hunger but I was feeding it then and I don't now. I think they now are probably too big but it just cannot lose interest. I also caught a big tomcat checking them out and scared him off, don't know if he was more than curious or not. I did want a rooster with them but it may be just as well not to have one. The one across the road from me crows pretty often and odd hours, if we had two it may make neighbors complain. I may buy a trap to catch it and take it to another shelter in another town.
They are really fun and I am working on making their bigger lot safe. They are scared to death of worms and slugs! lol
Wanted to tell you about my chickens and couldn't remember where we talked last but since I had a dog named Baby too, decided to stop here. Goit 4 sex-linked chicks about a month ago and believe it or not a cat killed one of them, even in a pen and it was a kitten that killed it and tried for the others but I heard their screams and they were hid tight as they could get. I put them in a smaller pen and then lock them in their coupe at night but the kitten is still around and is not giving up. I don't know what to do about it. It's wild. But the three left are hens and getting pretty big and I hope to free range them in a few weeks before winter. I have started giving them veggies and they are crazy about them. They are Rhode Island Reds. Guess I will forget about a rooster. I love them!
What a beautiful hub, I love my dog as well. They love unconditionally and are so loving and forgiving. Beautiful photos and this is vote up and shared.
Hi mary,Sooooo great lens and story, I have an overweight dogo. She's a hunting dog and runs around nonstop in our sizable back yard. Even though , she is still very fat.
I'm not used to having pets, but I do have a dog now, so I can wholeheartedly agree with most of the reasons. Your Baby is so cute. I Mine also keeps me from getting selfish, since he wants all the attention and money spent on him!
Oh my, if she's getting that kind of love, she will definitely live till at least 17! LOL; and thank you for the luck, Mary!
PS: Have fun with Baby for the next decade! :D
Like you, I have always had a dog in the house. I grew up with dogs and still live with them! You are absolutely right, dogs bring out so much from other people, but you are definitely correct that some people simply should not have pets. Pets and animals, especially dogs, are caring and loving creatures and deserved to be treated as such. I follow this one saying: "Treat a dog like a human, they live like a human!" All the dogs in my family have lived beyond 16 years because they feed off the love and attention you give them. My dog, Buffy, before she died in 2004, almost lived until she was 18 because we loved her and we showed that love. My two dogs now are definitely going to live that long :)
Great hub, Mary! Voted up and pinned!
Hi mary, I loved this! and the photos really made me smile! how cute! I have always had dogs, I haven't got one at the moment but really miss it, the company, the walks and just about everything else, theres nothing nicer than sitting in the evening watching tv with a dog on my lap, so comforting, nell
Mary,
What an awesome list! Growing up in an apartment in Chicago we were not allowed to have animals but I talked my mom into letting me get a newt once. She escaped and we endeed up finding her dead in my mom's shoe. That was the last time I was able to have a pet until I grew up...now I always have a dog. Like Baby...they do way more for us than we ever do for them.
Love your hub!
Thomas
Now this is a winning hub....loved all the photos and stories about Baby...especially the one in the raft. We have two dogs....both retrievers and they are big dogs so we do not have the opportunity to let them sit on our rafts. Like you I have had a pet almost my entire life....from Stonewall to Jeannie to Penny to Xerox to out current Goldie and Dixie...they each have given so much to me and my families lives....voted up and awesome.
Mary -
I understand your words in my hub a little clearer now! You are definitely one with love in your heart for your "family". And, you're a true country girl! I remember going down and feeding the cows and pigs when I stayed with my grandparents. 6 a.m., January, -14 degrees, and couldn't wait to get in the barn from the house because the between wind would cut you to pieces! Never milked a cow though as theirs were for selling and eating only. By the way, say "Hello" to Baby for me!
I love this hub for so many reasons. First, the pics are fabulous; you really captured Baby's spirit. Second, the section "Why Do We Need And Want To Have Pets?" was exactly what I was looking for when I suggested today's theme (Animals in Your Lives): with warmth and humor you so beautifully described the wonderful effects animals can have on our lives. There are more reasons, but I'd have to write an essay to explain them all. Up and awesome!
Hi Mary, Baby is enjoyable, as usual. And she reminds me of Misty when she was younger too. Yes, pets keep us unselfish....they remind us of everything all the time! And you're right...I think they know how to tell the time as well. They know when to go out and play, etc, whenever the need comes!! Thanks for sharing, I've voted this up, etc!!
This is great! I too hated slopping the pigs....ssssooo stubborn. Cute when they were little but oh boy was I glad when my dad, the ultimate hobby farmer got that one out of his system. My horse was Jerry and he knew stuff about me even I didn't know. My two guys were of great comfort to my husband when he was bedridden and great company for him when he was not. This past year and a half they have often been the only reason I have bothered to get out of bed in the morning. I am grateful for both of them and very much enjoyed reading your hub - a kindred spirit.
One reason could be they really like animals, the other reason is they feel lonely and having a pet makes them feel better.
nice hub, and totally great pictures!!!
I can't believe I missed reading this hub! I grew up with pets and so did my family. I even have a picture of Jiggs hanging in our home...and he was a family pet of my mother's when she was growing up. I've written many hubs about our pets (including Jiggs) and loved this one about your pet experiences including the photos of your sweet Baby. Up and beautiful votes and will share. Our pets give us such unconditional love!
Hi mary,
I think you loves to pets very much. Beautiful pic of baby. I liked it
What a cute hub! I can see why you love your dog. : ) I have only had one or two in my day as an adult, but always had to give them away. : ( One was a gift for a friend), the other, my ex's mother-in-law made us give up when we lived with her. I hope to someday own another dog. I now have cats, having grown up with them. We only had one pet dog named Spicey. He was a shared pet by the family. (a cocker spaniel). Loved the video and your photos too! Voted up for sure!!
What a sweet hub. I think you are right that simply caring for a pet is rewarding, and the love they give back is such a gift. And there is something about having a pet as a child - it is a sort of friendship that can't be duplicated and I think it really does build character.
You are so furtunate to have had such a variety of pets. I always wanted a cow as a little girl. I never did get one. And I absolutely love goats! They have such personality. Good for you for not getting a pig. They can be quite a pain. One of the vets I used to work for would only see them if absolutely necessary.
I have always had at least one cat. And now I also have two rats. They are so loveable. Unfortunately I am very allergic to them so they will be the one and only pait i get to have :(
Sorry it took me so long to get around to reading this! :)
Baby is such a cutie!
Hi Mary
Growing up we had a black and tan hound named Beauregard. People were scared of his size and bark but he was a gentle dog. My dad gave him away when we moved into an apartment. Years later, I found out he was killed by a car.
I have never had a pet as an adult. I love dogs but because of my lifestyle, it would be selfish for me to have a pet.
Baby looks so adorable in her pink sweater. :)
Time to go out and enjoy the sunshine.
Take care my friend. :)
Hi Mary, I'm short of Words; many have said what I wanted to say, but you as always show dedication into your hubs. Being a mom and having Baby makes you a different soul with an edge, does it make sense? Thanks for writing such a heartfelt article. Great to see you getting up there.
LORD
This is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your life with Baby - she is a very lucky doggy! :)
Pets are great companions and do make life interesting. How wonderful it was that, as an animal lover, you married a vet? Your dog is such a sweet little pet and I can see why you love him so much. Thanks for sharing.
Mary this is one wonderful hub and I can see you really have a soft corner for pets. Your Baby is so cute!
Reading this hub reminds me of my childhood when we had a dog, a few pigeons, some hens and ducks as well. It was great being with them. Today, I have a dog, a pair of love birds and a few fishes.
Great read.
Voted up all the way.
Hi Mary,
I didn't think adding my experience with a trained helper dog would add to your hub. Lets just say for the sake of the animal I will never do it again. No one told me the dog they delivered had special training not normally given to helper dogs. She paid the ultimate price for her extra training.
Hi Mary. I was raised on a farm. We had all kinds of animals, and they were all like family. They had names and they knew their names. All were respectable and interacted with us. What a wonderful experience!
A hub dear to my heart. Ann Voted across.
Although I did not grow up on a farm, I have always loved animals. All animals but dogs are my favorite. I have three canine children! It does not matter if I leave the house for five minutes or five hours, I still get the same....we're so glad to see you greeting. No human has ever been that happy to see me. Contrary to what some believe, dogs feel deeply. I had a rough childhood and my only comfort was my dog. It is interesting that from what I have learned, children that have a rough time in childhood usually end up either great defenders and protectors of animals or, unfortunately, the opposite where they enjoy causing harm. "All creatures under God"
We also had a mini Schnazer for 13 years. Her name was Pepper.
How lucky all your pets have been, mary, to have you as their loving mommy. We have something in common, m'dear - as a child you had a dog, a mutt named Chubby. Mine was a mutt named Pudgy.
I can answer a question you posed in your hub about pigs. You said, "If they are so smart, why do they roll in the mud?" Simple. They do not have sweat glands so rolling in the mud cools them off. (See my hub "Pig Facts and Pig Trivia.") Thanks for this realistic and fun-to-read hub.
Loved your topic. My mother had a saying, it translated to "cats, dogs, kids, and men all loved her." I know this sounds strange the pets I remember best at mothers were tame rats. My love for animals came from my father.
From my first year as as teen I worked with my fathers horses. In later years there was always a dog and chickens to kill the rattle snakes which ventured into the acre of land we owned.
Although there have been pets in the house in the past two years there has to be another adult to take care of their needs. Their care when I am alone is beyond me now.
I do understand the feeling down and an animal picking up on it. The last cat who lived here would be on my lap when she wouldn't go near anyone else. This was always at times when things were rough and I was feeling down.
A delightful topic covered so well. We love our pets for so many reasons and I believe companionship is on the top of the list even if we don't realize it. Definitely childless couples substitute pets, but what about us old guys with grown children? Pets keep the house from being too quiet :) I love that my dog knows when I'm down and will come and sit on my lap or lick my face. The bird, well there are times I could live without his chirping but I think I'd miss it.
You have had some great experiences. I grew up in the city so never had the opportunities you did except for always having a dog, though we did have some chickens once until the neighbors complained.
So sorry about your husband. What a great relationship you must've had! Love your pictures of Baby. The video is priceless, isn't it great how they play?
Voted up, interesting and beautiful.
Mary, this is a very interesting hub. I have two younger sisters who have pets. One has cats and a dog, and the other has a bunch of cats. I think a lot of people have pets because they love them, and in many instances when people don't have any children, the pets take the place of children. I would like to have a cat or dog, but I just don't have the right place to keep one and give it the best care. Voted up and sharing.
I have always loved pets. I'm always so glad people don't drop dogs or cats here I know I would keep them. I also love chickens. We use to have 3 chickens and when we would let them wonder around the yard they would always want to be wherever we were. Sad about your husband to young to pass away. Great hub...
With your love for pets it sounds like you married he perfect man. I love pets also. I enjoyed you hub very much.
Very good hub. I also had a pet chicken and named it. Then one day we where having chicken for dinner, my bother said this is (can't remember my pets name)I through a fit until my Mum convinced me it wasn't.
We also had Susie our ret/lab.
Voted up and beautiful, Joyce.
Oh Mary, I really enjoyed this hub. Like you I am a big animal lover and totally understand how our animals keep us in line....for we cannot afford to care for them and do anything else!! It is so worth it. Fun reading.
What a beautiful hub! I enjoyed reading about all of the pets you had while you were growing up. The image of you pulling a chicken in a wagon made me giggle :)
Baby sounds like she is very spoiled, but clearly brings you so much joy. Voted up & beautiful!
Baby is SO cute. I love her doggie smile. Mary, your childhood was indeed wonderful and I am not surprised thatyou still care for animals. Your heart is open and loving. I really enjoyedreading this Hub. Also, thnak you for your support of my blog. Thatin iself ahows how much you give back to the world.
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