Because Love Has Four Legs
I consider myself to be an animal person. Over the years, I have loved many—from betta fish to hamsters, rabbits, dogs and eventually cats. Of course, my parents were the true caretakers of these pets in my younger years. I simply enjoyed the atmosphere of being around animals without having to take care of them. Some might say it was much like being a grandparent rather than a parent.
When I adopted Eve, I became a mom—a fur mom, that is, but a mom nonetheless. I was 18 and missed the joys of having pets. My family dog, Scout, had stayed home while I spread my wings and went off to explore the wilds of college. I lamented over not having a pet. I wanted one! I wanted one so bad that I drove an hour and a half out of town on a random weekend just two months into freshman year to adopt a puppy. With her small body in my lap and a burning sensation in my gut, I felt as though I had just made a very exciting decision or a very grave mistake.
Those around me believed it was a poor decision. I was so young! they exclaimed. Pets are so expensive, they are a huge responsibility—do you want that responsibility at 18?
Yes, Eve was difficult to potty train in an apartment. The difference between carpet and grass is difficult to differentiate in a puppy’s eyes. Yes, she bit my fingers with her needle-sharp teeth and chewed up a blanket or two. Yes, she barked, whined and cried for me like a baby, and I had to learn how to not give in simply because she wanted my comfort. I was a mom now. I had to wake up throughout the night to let her out. I had to sprint back from class to take care of her. I had to teach her manners—licking people’s hands while they’re trying to eat dinner is rather impolite and unsanitary.
Yes, having pets and having children introduces challenges in your life. But if someone asked me if I’d do it again, I’d say yes, every time. I’ve stayed true to this and brought a new pet—a cat—home this past March. I named him Sable, and now both he and Eve enjoy each other’s company in my cozy little apartment. Having pets has taught me that rescuing an animal isn’t just about saving them—it’s about being saved, too. It’s a two-way kind of devotion.
As we make various estate plans to protect our children, partners, and loved ones, I urge you to also think of your pets. Too often, animals are left out of these conversations—not out of neglect, but simply because we don’t always think of them in the same way as other dependents. Yet our pets rely on us completely–not just for food and comfort, but for a sense of safety and home. Including them in your estate planning—whether it be a section in your trust, a named guardian, or specific written instructions—is a thoughtful, proactive way to ensure they are cared for if something unexpected happens. It’s an extension of the love we show them every day.
This Mother’s Day, I celebrate Eve, Sable, and all the mothers—human and otherwise—who choose love, over and over again.
