9 lessons from my canine

I was never fond of pets..that was until 2018, when my son forced me to get a pet. The moment we saw KOKO (our pet dog), who was just 4 weeks old then...we could not say NO. Thus began our journey with Koko - a lot of great moments and a few hiccups as well. But all in all ...a worthwhile one. We are all pleased to have him with us. Those of us who have pets will more or less agree with this. In this article, I would like to share nine lessons that I learnt from having a pet.

1.Being in the moment: Dogs are wonderful pets.....they always seem to be in the moment. Koko easily adapts to the situation..with no apparent thoughts of the past nor concerns of the future. The overseas solo travel and quarantine experience for Koko was a traumatic one...as he was never left alone. After the first few hours of restlessness and anxiety seeing us after more than a week of separation..he was back to his normal self. Having Koko around reminds you of being in the moment despite the circumstances.

2.Having a pet brings you closer to your adolescent kid....also makes your adolescent more responsible and caring! Those of us who have adolescent sons/daughters know pretty well the challenge in having conversations lasting longer than 30 seconds. With the topic of Koko and his amusements, the conversations can get pretty long. The joint walks together with my son and Koko has also helped us engage in deeper conversations. I have also noticed my son being very caring and empathetic, which I would not have noticed as a parent without our Koko. My advice: If you want to bond with your adolescent, get a Pet!!

3. Brings out the child in you......makes you playful. Koko is so sweet and the way he wags around you ...his antics will amuse you and his innocent look after some blunder will make you leave everything, get up, cuddle and pet him. Koko is very curious and every time you are back from shopping, he is keen to see what is in the bag for him, just as little children would do.....and at times this could be annoying, especially when he figures out something in your garbage bin. In a way a pet dog is like a child who never grows beyond 3 years of age. Just as you become a child with your toddler, the pet brings out the child within you. You also need to keep Koko amusing with your buffoonery.

4.Forces you to be fit: One thing all pet owners will agree is how pets enjoy their walks and sometimes can create quite a tantrum for this. At times after a long day's work you are not in a mood for a walk, but noticing his repeated nudges you have no choice but to take him for a walk. Koko really enjoys walking, sniffing around, gazing at passersby, at times even daring cats and other dogs along the way. After the initial inertia, you too enjoy the walk with him and feel refreshed. In a way having a Pet means you are on your way to becoming FIT. Going for a walk with your pet is better than hitting a Gym..not to mention the savings in your gym subscriptions and overall benefits!!

5.Excellent de-stressor: The moment you are back home, the first person to greet you would be Koko...he will jump all over you, kissing and licking you.... that moment all your day's stress just vanish. It also reminds us of the time when our toddler would rush into your arms and make us forget all our concerns. No expectation...just unconditional love..100% pure. You can always count on their affection. It is no wonder science has shown how pets help in de-stressing by releasing happy hormone-oxytocin. Every time you cuddle your pet, you are doing yourself a favour by releasing happy hormones!

6.Helps you socialize easily: Pet owners can very easily relate to this. Dog walks are usually the time when you come across other pet owners. The moment you see another pet dog, you are keen to know its name...that's how the conversation starts...while we start with getting to know each other's dogs....the conversation ends in sharing contacts and be-friending...all through this, the dogs in their own way acquaint themselves. If they are not trying to pounce on each other means the pets have become friends and so do the Pet owners. In fact the pet owners also have a WhatsApp group connecting you to a much wider group. For newcomers pets are a sure way of connecting with others. Having a pet connects you in-house and outside!!

7. Livens up the house and brings joy...these days houses have become more and more quiet unlike the olden days, when screams of children would remind that you are Home. Nowadays we don't seem to know whether we are in Office or at Home, as in both places, people are busy behind their digital device....not sure if we are bridging the digital divide or creating the DIVIDE. COVID19 has only exacerbated this situation. With Koko around there is never a dull moment. He is always moving around, running up and down the house, sitting by our side, following the maid or the gardener and at times rushing towards the door when he hears a bell ring or someone outside. His presence and antics livens up the house and brings family together away from their devices.

8.Stop chasing your tail: In dogs tail chasing is considered normal as a way of dogs exploring their bodies or surroundings except when it is excessive. Excessive tail chasing is a sign of boredom or at times a sign of major issue - intestinal infection or injury. Similarly, as humans we are sometimes guilty of excessive chasing of our thoughts, fears and worries. Tail chasing is a reminder not to chase our thoughts but get engaged in some activity.

9. A 24/7 companion: Pet dogs are unique in terms of their loyalty to their identified Masters and they literally make you feel like their Master. When I am at home, Koko always follows me everywhere in the house and around - be it by the garden side or anywhere else and mostly sits besides me (underneath the chair, if I am working from home) or on the sofa while watching TV. Even while taking a nap, he will lie beside my legs. There was a brief period when my family was back home and I was with Koko and he was the only reason that pushed me to leave office on time, as he would be eagerly waiting for me....lest I be lost in work. Once you are identified as the Master, you are never alone 24/7 and you have one more reason to come home on time!

As with all things in life there are also moments when you are concerned, especially when your pet falls sick or gets hurt or when you have to travel....but then that is also the same with little kids. Overall it is a blessing to have a Pet...the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

I would love to hear your experience with your Pet.