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Sunday, April 8, 2007
Is my dog teaching me how to be a good parent?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are days when I think my paternal clock is ticking away and I am ready to become a father.
Fate, however, seems intent to show me why that should never happen. For example, when a little brat runs around wild or screams in a store and I’m prompted to say out loud: “Thank you for reminding me why I don’t have children.”
Then there is my dog, Jigger, who constantly tests my paternal instincts and skills.
About two weeks ago Jigger came down sick and just about solidified that I am just not cut out to be a parent.
On a normal day, Jigger, a border collie and black lab mix, is full of energy, dancing and running around with a big smile on his face.
To wake up the other morning and see him moving very slowly, his head hanging low and very gloomy look on his face, was quite alarming.
If he hadn’t eaten his treat or had needed to be carried I would have rushed him off to the emergency vet in a panic.
I did call my vet, who said it was probably some 24-hour bug and that Jigger should be given baby aspirin and a chicken and rice mixture. I did that, and the next day he was nearly back to good ol’ Jigger.
By the way I reacted you would have thought it was something more serious. I was nervous and kept running through all the possible causes for Jigger to come down sick. I thought about him all day. I was scared.
I mentioned to Jigger’s veterinarian how I thought this overreaction meant that I’m unfit to be a parent.
She couldn’t have disagreed more. She believes dog ownership can be the perfect training for parents and she made many comparisons between caring for a dog and a child.
I have at times referred to Jigger as my son and argued with other parents that he requires at times nearly as much responsibility as any child, but I never considered whether or not caring for him was appropriate training to be a parent.
My friends and family are split on whether the two are even remotely comparable.
Thinking about it, the requirements are similar: Love. Compassion. Patience. Understanding. Discipline. Time. Money.
Regardless of the number of times I have been told I would be a good father, I suppose I will really never know for sure until I am actually crazy enough to take that step.
So I ask you: What are the qualities of a good parent? Can raising a dog be good training for future parents?
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