This past week, my family and I have decided to throw caution to the wind and take in two kittens from a litter of strays a friend was given. With four teens/young adults in the house and four dogs, these new additions are going to make our lives even crazier. Whether you've had pets in the past or are currently looking into getting one, these are the emotions that I, and I'm sure, you, have gone through during the process.
1. Complete and utter adoration
It's no secret that kittens, puppies, bunnies, hamsters, and any other small fluffy pet are absolutely adorable. And from the second you look in their cage or pen the only word you want to say is "Aw!" It can even be overwhelming. Have you ever had a litter of puppies or kittens crawling all over you? If not, I completely recommend it. Being completely covered in pure balls of cuteness and joy will melt your brain.
2. Love
Although, at first you're overwhelmed by the cuteness of the animals as a whole, eventually one (or two, or three) will just immediately grab your attention. Whether it's their soft fur, angelic face, or just the fact that they cuddle right into you, you're in love. Suddenly to the other animals in the cage or crawling around you don't matter, just the tiny little one in your arms does. If you weren't intending to take a pet home, I hate to break it to you, but: you are. Once you fall in love with a pet, you won't be able to just leave it and never see it again. Trust me, how do you think I ended up with four dogs and two kittens?
3. Impatience
If the new pet you're getting was purchased at a pet store, then you'll completely miss this step. But usually if you purchase a puppy or kitten from a breeder, they won't be old enough for you to take home yet and at the end of the day you'll have to put them down and part with them for a few weeks before they can come to their permanent home. This period of time is usually filled with preparations like picking out a bed, dishes, a leash and collar and any other things you'll need to care for your pet. But in between all of these errands and hurried readiness, your chest will be filled with overwhelming impatience. While it's only a few weeks until you get to see your beloved pet again and take it home, you feel as if each moment drags on and it'll be years until you're reunited.
4. Panic
As the days tick down towards the day your newest family member comes home, your impatience will start to fade and panic will take its place. Getting a puppy/kitten/bunny or any other kind of pet can be scary, and it's a lot of responsibility. The first few weeks they're with you are crucial and can affect their temperament for the rest of their lives. You suddenly worry that you aren't ready for the commitment or that you aren't prepared enough for its arrival. But take a deep breath, close your eyes, and get ready because it's about to be the best time of your life.
5. Pure happiness
From the second you walk in to collect your pet, your heart starts to pound and you can't stop smiling. And once you start the journey home with your new pet in your arms or in the backseat, your smile only widens. And then you get home and get to play with your pet and show it all the cool places in your house and your heart will just swell with joy because you know that no matter what, this animal is yours to keep, love, and cherish for the rest of its life.
Pets are a lot of work and it's a process to train them and teach them right from wrong but in the end it's worth it. Once you get past all of the chewing and peeing in the house you're left with an excitable, lovable pet that you couldn't imagine living without.
