If you’ve never had a pet in your life, most devoted pet owners would say that you’re missing out on something huge. Or rather, your heart is missing out on a whole new world of warmth, joy, and most of all, love.
It sounds corny, but it’s true. The love of a pet stays with us forever, long after those pets are no longer with us. Maybe you have fond memories of your childhood dog, or maybe you can never get home from work fast enough to see your cat and snuggle on the couch. Whether your currently own a pet, or just remember the love you felt, there’s no doubt about it, those experiences have made you love a little bit differently.
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They don’t sweat the small stuff.
Stuff is just stuff, and that’s a good thing because no “stuff” is safe around an animal. Having your belongings chewed up, peed on, or torn to shreds is an inconvenience, but it’s a small price to pay for having a wonderful animal in your life. And it teaches you to accept life’s little inconveniences.
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Or the gross stuff.
Likewise, you might think there’s nothing grosser than poop, pee, or vomit, but that’s not going to stop you from taking care of your fur baby. I’m sure this stuff is true when you have kids also, but for those of us who are nowhere near ready to have kids, it’s a big step. You will do utterly gross things to help your sick pet feel better, and you’ll forgive them for any disgusting mess. That’s love.
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They can’t stand the suffering of any creature — big or small.
Having a dog or cat does something to you. Before, maybe you wouldn’t even bat an eye at those ASPCA commercials with the sad puppies, or maybe you’d just change the channel and ignore them. Once you have a pet, though, it makes you hyper sensitive to any sort of animal cruelty or animal suffering. You can’t even look at elephants in the zoo without feeling like crying. It’s weird, but in a way, having pets makes you even more compassionate.
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They love with their whole heart…and then some.
It’s another one of those things that people say when they have their first child, but it rings true for pet owners, also. You never know how much love you have in your heart until you have a pet. God, if you think your new puppy likes to give kisses, it’s nothing compared to the crazy amount of kisses you give them when they greet you at the door after a long day at work. It’s like your heart just makes room for more and more love until you feel like you’re going to explode rainbows and unicorns all over the place.
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They can’t get enough cuddles.
Pet owners are so used to cuddling and snuggling with their pet in every way, shape, and form, so don’t be surprised if they’re a little touchy feely with people, too. Once you’ve had your dog try to lick your butt while you’re in the shower or had your cat sit inside your pulled-down pants while you’re on the toilet, you sort of get past any boundary issues.
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Pet owners never run out of room for affection, whether they’re giving it or getting it.
When your best friend is a puppy who have nothing but love to give, or a cat who’s always there for you when you just need someone, it turns you into the kind of person who’s always down to give and get the same kind of love that they get from their pet everyday. Having a pet teaches you how to be a good person to everyone. Or, at the very least, everyone who doesn’t already annoy the shit out of you.