A Paw-rent's Perspective

Owning a pet isn’t a walk in the park, as Aunt May from ‘Spiderman’ would say: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

 Written by: Ella Tan

Photos by: Ella Tan

Growing up, I always dreamt of owning a pet. 

I vividly remember the day we first saw Dibo. It was in 2020, amid the easing tensions of the Covid-19 Pandemic, precisely when the rule of self-isolation lifted. At a local pet shop, my family and I spotted her, timidly hiding in one corner of the dog pen. Instantly, she captured our hearts, and I discovered the inexplicable feeling familiar to many pet owners– knowing when it's ‘the one.’ 

Getting Dibo brought an abundance of joy, opening the door to countless new experiences. 

Every time I feel stressed from my studies, Dibo’s presence alleviates my anxiety. Seeing her always brightens my mood, and playing with her after school is a constant anticipation. 

Dibo also taught me to live in the present and appreciate the little things in life. 

Rather than being glued to my device all day (something many of us are guilty of), I engage in activities like playing catch and taking her on walks around the park. I love taking her with me wherever I go.                                                                                            

Admittedly, owning a pet isn’t the most budget friendly endeavour. I recall visiting a pet-friendly cafe with Dibo and the bill totaled around $100. Unfortunately, most pet-friendly places share similar price tags. 

Beyond recreational activities, veterinary trips can also rack up your expenses. Basic consultations alone can tally up to $50, excluding additional costs like X-Rays and medicine– especially if your pet has underlying conditions. 

Take Dibo, for example; her allergies cause her sporadic scratching, requiring regular vet visits, medications, and special dietary requirements. The cumulative costs have reached thousands of dollars.

But, of course, expenses vary for various pet owners. Regardless of the cost, I have no regrets about getting Dibo, as she has not only changed my life but also left an indelible mark on my family.

My mum, who once harboured a fear of dogs, has grown a deep fondness for Dibo, treating her like one of her children. When we first got Dibo, my mum kept her distance, almost as if the Covid-19 measures applied to Dibo as well. However, she soon overcame her fears, and I vividly recall her rubbing Dibo’s belly one morning.

When comparing the pros and cons, I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Having a life-long companion brings us much joy and creates lasting memories. However, it is also important and responsible to be really committed to the new change in lifestyle.

Considering their short life span compared to humans, is it not worthwhile to invest more and give them a fulfilling life?