Cats, Dogs, and Children

BY MICHAEL REISIG –

I spent the better part of my life as a confirmed bachelor. The first half of my life was too fast and complicated for “forever” romance. However, later I did find the girl of my dreams and we have been together ever since, but we never had any children. If I was to be perfectly honest, children scare me a little – the constant responsibility is nearly overwhelming. When I’m shopping in the local “big store” and I see haggard mothers dragging two children behind them with two more in the shopping basket, followed by a lagging, weary-eyed father, I find I don’t regret my choice at all.

Now, before you begin to condemn me as an old curmudgeon, let me say I’m certain children are the essence of life for many, and they provide a bond and a shelter in your later days that you can’t buy. It’s like an elderly life insurance policy that people pay into for the better part of their existence – hoping to get the benefit of sanctuary and comfort in their later years.

I have had some wonderful pets in my life and I suppose I have transferred the affection and love I would have carried for children to them, and I sometimes think, smugly, with a small smile, that I got the better end of the deal.

I never have to worry about my dog going off to war.

If my cat stays out all night I generally don’t call the police.

Neither of my cats have any desire to go to college.

If my dog gets the neighbor’s dog pregnant it’s not exactly an “end of world” situation.

If I want to send my dog to school (obedience or other), it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg, and my cats have never asked for an allowance.

When my dog and I have an argument over a chewed up shoe or an indiscretion regarding toiletry habits, he doesn’t threaten to run away.

Don’t misunderstand me. It’s not that I think having children is a bad proposition. I think it’s a wonderful thing and it provides understanding and lessons we can probably only learn by being a parent and nurturing another creature like ourselves. I just feel it’s like everything else with humans – “If it feels good, let’s do it again, and again, and again…” until we realize we’ve worn the gloss off the whole affair. Making a decision to have a child should be a momentous thing. It should be brought about via responsibility, not entertainment – you are deciding to have your heart walking around outside your body.

However, I will concede that in this ever-challenging world, having a child continues to be the most beautifully irrational act two people in love can commit.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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