Does Your Pet Affect Your Relationships?
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal made me evaluate how my own pets affect my relationships. The article highlights how distorted priorities can lead to marital problems and dysfunction in the family. My husband knew what he was getting into when he married a vet, so I almost get a free pass when it comes to me lavishing my pets and treating them like the infallible monsters they are. With my own pet-to-husband balance in check (I admit to the occasional argument on who cleans the litter), I mulled on the ways my pets affect everyday life.
I just recently realized how disruptive the cats are to our sleep during their recent month of confinement. Both have been banished to the basement due to Winston’s inappropriate elimination (before you think I’m mean, it’s a finished basement with all the kitty amenities). With the cats safely locked away, there was no more waking up in the middle of the night to ax-like paws digging into my sternum. No more 3am howling in triumph after killing the toy mouse for the 1000th time. No early morning meowing alarm clock nervous we’d forget to feed him breakfast. I must say, I’ve been sleeping quite well.
In addition, the cats definitely affect the relationship with my in-laws. My father-in-law is dreadfully allergic to cats and despite my cleaning, vacuuming, dusting, and sterilization of the house, his visits can only comfortably last about 2 hours despite allergy medications. Summer visits lend themselves to sitting outside but winter visits result in trips to the movies or going out for dinner. I have no plans on ridding the house of cats in the future so I guess I have agreed to awkward visits.
I’m wondering how your own pets affect your day to day and extended relationships?
