Over a period of, let’s say some 100, 000 years, a mutual benefit attraction has been created between mankind and animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and many more. Evolution takes place in several ways and it is perfectly clear that these animals have evolved to be almost symbiotic to humans. And, it’s probably very common that most humans have also evolved to depend on this relationship as well.
At first, people started keeping pets just because they were good company – it was a time when getting a dog was something cute and fun. But, my own guess is that today people are more and more lonely and human relationships are not the same as they used to be before; so people started substituting the company of fellow humans with the company of animals. Honestly, I don’t support those modern couples who adopt pets as a “substitute” for babies, but I understand why people just plain like animals over human beings.
Adopt a dog and you’ll have the most loyal, loving and protective friend ever. Adopt a cat and you’ll always be excited to come home, pick him up and hear him purr. Adopt a hamster and you’ll win free tickets to cuddleland. Even if these animals cannot interact with you the same way as a human, you can still have a meaningful relationship with them.
“Our pets are as much part of the family as our siblings or children are.” Well, that’s what pet owners always and what I always hear. But, are you really a responsible pet owner? Are your pets getting all the loving care that they are intended to?
Sometimes, no matter how much you love your pet, there’ll be times when you’ll prioritize your loved ones over Tommy or Daisy. And, let me tell you that being left alone is just about the worst thing you could do to a pet.
As both a Christian and a pet owner, the essential thinking I always have when adopting a pet is to care for it by drawing inspiration from the Bible.
Inspiration From the Bible
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.”
– From Luke 12: 6-7
In the above Biblical scripture, we can see that even though God does not consider animals to be equal to human beings, He will never forget any of His creatures, i.e., including animals. Somehow, this verse inspires Christian pet owners to foster and nurture a good relationship with their pets. It helps them to see that if God will not forget these animals and love them, so must we. After the unrelenting loyalty your pets are giving to you and your family, the least they deserve is for you to take proper care of them.
“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”
– From Psalms 147: 9
Every Christian knows the story of how the great God used ravens to feed Elijah, one of His most faithful children. Every believer knows that, “if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good things of the land,” (Isaiah 1:19). However, Psalms 147: 9 defines God’s love for animals and how He will also provide for them as He does for us. This tells us that we should therefore keep our pets well-nourished and healthy.
And, personally, from this scripture, I believe in feeding premium food to my dog, and if you ask, I’d say it’s important to some extent. People say that their dogs are as important to them as their kids. So, do you think they would feed their kids only with candies or veggies? Won’t they also consider if their kids have any food allergies? So, why do we buy the cheapest food from the cheapest brand for our pets?
So, the lesson today is that if God cares for these animals as much as He does for us, we should honor our roles and responsibilities as pet owners.