I was having lunch with a friend of mine the other day. The subject of conversation was “being single” to which she says: “…Thanks god for my dogs! If I didn’t have them to talk to I would be absolutely crushed with loneliness!”
I got to thinking about that and you know what? I’ve never really thought about it because I’ve always been a pet owner regardless if I’m in a relationship or not. But if I didn’t have my critters to talk to, I imagine my lack of a GF would be more of a concern than it currently is.
LOL, now that I see that in type, that actually seems a little pathetic. But hey, it is what it is.
Heh, as I’m typing this, my 20lb cat thinks he has my 100lb dog in a choke hold. He doesn’t, my dog is just laying on the floor doing his best to ignore the cat.
Until three years ago, I’d never had a pet other than a fish during my adult life. I spent a couple of years living on my own between marriages, and while there were occasionally lonely times, I never once thought, “Boy, a dog or cat would sure solve that!”
I have cats now through marriage, and the two of them are awesome. But if I were to suddenly become single again, I still don’t think I’d have an overwhelming craving for animal companionship. Pets are a responsibility, and “single” and “responsible” don’t seem to go well together for me.
I’ve considered getting pets because of this. The problem is leaving them alone all the time, and cleaning up after them. Plus not all pets are the same. I’ve seen good cats and good parakeets, and terrible ones.
I never had a pet when I was single. I almost always had a dog or cat (or more) when married or living with someone. I like not having to worry about any other creature if I’m late or don’t come home at all. Now that I’m married, I agree to a pet or two, but I’d be happier without them.
My ex-wife always had a few animals, and when she left after 14 years it sure was a relief to not have animals around all the time to have to set my activities by etc…
I’ve always had pets while married (or in long term relationships) but being single now I relish the lack of responsibility (and cost) that goes with pet guardianship.
Want to go camping into a national park…whoops, can’t take the dog! Travel anywhere longer than an overnight stay? Who’s going to care for the pets? Fido gets sick and the vet bill hits many thousands of dollars? Arrgghhhh.
I’ll stick to my plants (she says, after counting 77 pots and mounted ferns in the backyard).
The sort of companionship I’ve had with pets isn’t the same sort as what I have with other humans. Filling the pet niche doesn’t do anything for the girlfriend niche. Ideally, I’d have both, and it seems better for all involved to find the GF first.
I will echo that pets are a large responsibility. If anyone, single or not, chooses to get a pet, they need to give this responsibility careful consideration.
I have had pets and have been pet-less. I prefer pets. I was single and pet-less for many years.
One of my single sisters borrows her friends dog for a week or so when she feels lonely. This arrangement works for all involved. Seems weird to me, but if it works, who am I to complain.
Exactly. I like dogs but they’re social animals. To leave one alone all day long is a dick move to the dog and a dick move to your neighbors who get to hear it yap all day.
I just plain old don’t want a cat. I don’t hate 'em but I don’t want one in my living space either.
The best thing about having dogs as a single person living in the suburbs? I meet LOTS of people and not all of them have dogs I’ve made some real friends, some acquaintances and lots of cool individuals. That is what has abated any loneliness from being Single in the Suburbs, not talking to my cats or dogs.
