It's Just My Theory

I have a theory.

Untested.

Unproven.

Unscientific.

It is that children who grow up with pets,

learning to care for something other than themselves,

are not so self-centered.

They learn to love unconditionally

and they learn to take responsibility.

Pets can’t do for themselves.

They depend entirely on their Master for

food, water, shelter, movement in and out.

They demand attention.

They take time.

Sometimes it’s inconvenient.

Sometimes they are messy.

They are a bit expensive too.

You have to budget.

If living conditions are such

that a child cannot have a pet,

if they love domestic animals,

I think they will be alright.

Thinking of and caring for something else,

help them realize that their pet,

not them,

 is the center of the universe.

This little lesson

enables them to reach out to others

and that makes all the difference.

It’s just my theory.

Amy helping decorate stuffed animals.

Naomi, Klarissa, Amanda, Jonathan, Isaak, Brigitte, Karlton - 2008

Maybe our grandchildren will be OK.