It is very easy to hold pet’s to unreasonable expectations because the human world has told us how pets * should be *. However, reality is, pets are born as individuals, just like kids. A lot of these expectations were created before humans really understood pets as individuals. Unfortunately, a lot of those expectations are still the norm and shouldn’t be.
Here are some examples:
* Animals are expected to like everyone (animal and human). As a human, I am sure you don’t like everyone you meet? Why do they have to?
This does not condone bad behavior. It just means if your pet shows a dislike for someone, there is a reason. Accept it.
* Animals are expected to go unreasonably long hours without going to the bathroom! Can you imagine not having an opportunity to pee for 8 hours? Sometimes longer during the day? Or having to only go to the bathroom when someone is home? What if you unexpectedly have to when no one is around?
They don’t want to have accidents in the house. They do when they have no other option.
* They are expected to tolerate teasing.
As humans we can walk away, or state our opinion. If they do, it is often labeled as the animals fault, not the humans.
* They are expected to tolerate us messing around with their food.
Let them eat in peace! Teach the humans in your house, including kids, not to mess with their food! Do you want someone sticking your hands in your food all the time?
* They are expected to stay mellow and chill and well behaved even if they don’t get enough exercise.
Imagine being stuck in your house for days. You are going to go a little stir crazy.
Now I am not saying everyone holds their pet’s to these unreasonable expectations. I am sure many of you on this page don’t. But the reality is, society does.
So what is the purpose of this post? Educate others that don’t know. When you see animals in shelters or animals needing to be rehomed, know there is often NOTHING wrong with that animal. It just needs a chance with someone that has reasonable expectations for animals.
I have never once, not even once, talked to an animal that was vindictive or did things to to purposely disappoint its guardian. They don’t. Even when treated poorly or. unfairly they forgive and they try to please, all of the time.
In fact, when they can’t meet unreasonable expectations they still feel baldy.
Cut your pet’s some slack (not necessarily you on this page, but society). They are animals doing their very best to try to survive in a world that is demanding, unreasonable, and high pressure.
