Readers Respond: What is the hardest thing about being a pet owner?
Pets can bring us joy, company, and a kind of companionship that can make it hard to put into words just how much we care for them.
But, our beloved feathered, scaly and fluffy friends can be hard to deal with sometimes - whether it’s chewing on shoes or bringing us unwanted ‘presents’ - though it can be just as hard to be strict with them when they misbehave.
When we asked our readers what they thought the hardest thing was about keeping pets, many came back to the same answer.
From deciding whether to laugh or cry at their antics to wishing you could love them for a little bit longer, here’s what you said.
MikeDot Berger - Having to say goodbye when they cross the rainbow bridge.
Lynda Borgonje - I can’t be angry or stay angry no matter what my fur baby did … One look in those beautiful brown eyes, I would just melt.
Rosy Bloom - They don’t live long enough
Sue Packer - Going on holidays without them.
Julia Santos - When you want to spoil them with food they want but shouldn’t eat. It’s heartbreaking but necessary 🙁
Toni Miller - Losing them. Still shed a tear occasionally for my beautiful old girl. Held her in my arms while she crossed over.
Jan Blackhurst - Deciding whether to laugh or cry at some of their antics. And then the final goodbye.
Sue Dodd - Loving them for such a short period
Richard Taylor - Trying to be stern with them when they have misbehaved while on the inside you are laughing your guts out.
Karen Bowman - There is nothing hard at all. Even when they are sick, it’s such a privilege to have them in our lives. Saying goodbye is very hard but it’s all the memories you have that help you to do that and the love you have for your pet forever.
To read what else you said, head here.
Image: Getty Images