Views on Considering Pets as Family Members: The Ethical and Practical Benefits
Is your pet truly part of the family? Many pet owners strongly believe that their four-legged companions are as essential to their household as any human family member. In this essay, I will explore why considering pets as family members is not only ethical but also practical, especially for those who are living alone or far from their biological families.
The Ethical Argument for Considering Pets as Family Members
I cannot stress enough the need for pets to be considered family members. A pet that is left alone outside all day, even if the door is open, will never feel like a part of the family. Such pets often suffer from isolation, behavioral issues, and poor health. For instance, a neighbor with two dogs, who keeps them chained outside, has pets that do not regard them as part of a group. The result is numerous behavioral problems, including being overweight and dirty. This situation can be considered abusive, but the authorities often overlook such issues.
As a retiree living without close family nearby, our two chihuahua/mixes have become the light of our lives. They provide companionship, companionship, and purpose. Our pets have souls; they smile, and they entertain us. If the primary reason for owning a pet is to leave it outside, chaining it to a tree or a fence, then why have a pet at all? Pets need more than just empty space; they need to be a part of the family.
The Practical Benefits of Considering Pets as Family Members
From a practical standpoint, including pets as family members has numerous benefits. Pets can be trained to understand and form family units, which requires a significant amount of time and effort. This unique skill of the canine is what makes them different from solitary or colonial animals. Dogs, in particular, thrive when they are part of a group and are driven to help the group succeed. This is why having a pet as a family member not only enriches our lives but also improves their overall health and well-being.
My personal experience with our two dogs, Kenji and our other hound, underscores the importance of integrating pets into the family. Kenji is always eager to be part of any activity and dislikes being alone. This eagerness to be included highlights the need for pets to be a central part of our lives. Similarly, our hound stays outside only when the sun is shining, and even then, she comes in at night. For us, this is a sign that she is a true family member.
Dogs, cats, and other animals generally do better in a family setting. The unique bond that forms between pets and their human family members is invaluable. Pets provide companionship, comfort, and a sense of purpose. In a world where many people live alone or are far from their biological family, having a pet can be a crucial source of emotional support.
Furthermore, pets contribute to the overall health and well-being of their human family members. Studies have shown that pets can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve physical health. The emotional bond between pets and their owners can help mitigate loneliness and bring a sense of joy to daily life.
Considering pets as family members is not only an ethical decision but also a practical one. It enriches our lives and contributes to the overall well-being of both pets and their human family members. By providing a loving and nurturing environment for our pets, we can ensure that they are happy and healthy members of our family.
So, for those who are wondering whether their pets truly belong to the family, the answer is unequivocally yes. Pets are our friends, our companions, and our source of joy. We invite pet owners to consider their pets as family members and to provide them with the love, care, and attention they deserve.