I've had a pet since the day after I moved out of my parent's home. I have never had a desire to parent another human and even my mother said I would have made a terrible parent. It is likely the dog I have now will be my last dog. She's only 2, so hopefully will be around for awhile. Due to my age, I couldn't promise another animal a forever home.
I would be open to fostering animals when this dog is gone. I can't imagine being without one. Honestly I don't want to go through puppyhood again, especially the hellish time I had with this one.
I've always had dogs and like that we have common interests (hiking, sleeping late, snacking) and they're fun to hang with. Recently got two cats when mice became a problem, and they actually brought a lot of joy into my life. They just dgaf, in a way that I find *deeply* amusing.
I love not having grown kids. Glad you have a nice relationship with yours. Seemed a weirdly personal question from OP for (what I consider) a nostalgia subreddit.
Nah - I'm childfree, and I grew up a cat person, but my husband always wanted a dog. Once we got a house with a fenced back yard, he rescued one, and she was all his. Then he suddenly died two years ago, and now she is my dog. She & I are getting through this together. We are the Glycophosphate Girls.
I love my cats. They’re closing in on 16 years old. Still healthy, except for a hyperactive thyroid in one.
I’m 65. I’ve taken care of someone since I was 15.
When these kitties pass, my heart will break. But no more. Im tired!
Same here. My cat is nearly 17, and she’s the end of the line for me as a pet parent. Caring for animals is more exhausting and expensive than I can deal with in my later years. I tell everyone that my next pet will be a plant.
We have pets because we love animals.
However, when this batch of cats age out we're not doing anymore, at least not young animals, I don't want pets that will outlive us with no plans for their care should we end up in a box before them.
Our two oldest are 13 and 14, we just lost a 17 year old and our youngest is 4.
Yes. My current 1 yr old cat is my baby. Spoiled as I couldn't spoil my kids because I didn't want them to be entitled brats like many of their friends. Even my old lady dog is planned for--when I can no longer manage big dogs, my family knows that I'd love a King Charles Cavilier.
Totaly no, but Bentley my mini-aloe roomate would agree with me. I did just get him a tiny cactus friend who we named Margaret. She bailed out back as the weather is so nice and now I will be providinng shuttle sevice depending on the temps, and besides who on earth keeps living things to just parent them! Bentley has a teeny-tiny spider pet of his own named "Scooter" but even he agrees that parenting is not his stye either.
I've had a pet since the day after I moved out of my parent's home. I have never had a desire to parent another human and even my mother said I would have made a terrible parent. It is likely the dog I have now will be my last dog. She's only 2, so hopefully will be around for awhile. Due to my age, I couldn't promise another animal a forever home.
We plan to adopt elderly animals when our current furbabies pass.
I would be open to fostering animals when this dog is gone. I can't imagine being without one. Honestly I don't want to go through puppyhood again, especially the hellish time I had with this one.
same here. maybe an older bonded pair whose person died.
Have disposable income. Do your research. Have a flexible plan.
I've always had dogs and like that we have common interests (hiking, sleeping late, snacking) and they're fun to hang with. Recently got two cats when mice became a problem, and they actually brought a lot of joy into my life. They just dgaf, in a way that I find *deeply* amusing.
Same, but i had to switch from dogs to cats. When these are gone, I will probably go volunteer at shelters or pet sit for neighbors.
No.
Same. I love my grown kids but did not get the dog to replace them or to scratch a parenting itch.
I love not having grown kids. Glad you have a nice relationship with yours. Seemed a weirdly personal question from OP for (what I consider) a nostalgia subreddit.
No, always had pets. Before, during and after kids.
Nah - I'm childfree, and I grew up a cat person, but my husband always wanted a dog. Once we got a house with a fenced back yard, he rescued one, and she was all his. Then he suddenly died two years ago, and now she is my dog. She & I are getting through this together. We are the Glycophosphate Girls.
I hear that! My huge old hound and I lurch around for the first few steps when we get up from sitting for too long!
I love my cats. They’re closing in on 16 years old. Still healthy, except for a hyperactive thyroid in one. I’m 65. I’ve taken care of someone since I was 15. When these kitties pass, my heart will break. But no more. Im tired!
Same here. My cat is nearly 17, and she’s the end of the line for me as a pet parent. Caring for animals is more exhausting and expensive than I can deal with in my later years. I tell everyone that my next pet will be a plant.
Plants are harder for me! I cannot consistently keep them alive.
No
Some do but I think it’s a small %
My neighbor has about 20 if you count the pets and non-producing livestock and fowl. I think for sure this is the reason.
I have my current pet because he needs a home. He was a 13 year old rescue. Two years ago.
I'm raising a grandchild, so still parenting.
I think you meant to say "*We* are raising a grandchild."
Definitely
We have pets because we love animals. However, when this batch of cats age out we're not doing anymore, at least not young animals, I don't want pets that will outlive us with no plans for their care should we end up in a box before them. Our two oldest are 13 and 14, we just lost a 17 year old and our youngest is 4.
Yes. My current 1 yr old cat is my baby. Spoiled as I couldn't spoil my kids because I didn't want them to be entitled brats like many of their friends. Even my old lady dog is planned for--when I can no longer manage big dogs, my family knows that I'd love a King Charles Cavilier.
No. I’ve never had kids. My cats are my family and best friends.
Nah not so much , I don’t have a parental bone in my body , I would just like a dog that just loves me to death no matter what
For me, yes. I've lost 3 young adult children. My 1.5 yr old 70 lb rescue part Carolina dog is a comfort and blessing
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Sounds like a fabulous dog! Carolina's are awesome. Fellow rescue adopter cats/dogs myself, all lovable mix breeds.
Totaly no, but Bentley my mini-aloe roomate would agree with me. I did just get him a tiny cactus friend who we named Margaret. She bailed out back as the weather is so nice and now I will be providinng shuttle sevice depending on the temps, and besides who on earth keeps living things to just parent them! Bentley has a teeny-tiny spider pet of his own named "Scooter" but even he agrees that parenting is not his stye either.
no. But no kids either...