MANILA, Philippines - Pets are great. But they’re even greater when you actually have one in your house, loving you even when you’re in your ugly sweatpants.
More people seem to want pets now. Maybe it’s because of viral dog videos, or maybe it’s the “cool cat lady effect”. Nonetheless, we like the animal love spreading all around. But let’s be honest, not everyone is fit to be a “pawrent.” Some people can’t even keep a virtual Shiba Inu clean for a week.
The important thing to understand is it’s not enough to just want a dog and a cat to accompany you during your lonely nights at home. Owning a pet is so much more than giving them food and petting their fur whenever you feel like it. It’s basically like having a child — without the burden of paying education bills (unless you’re that kind of pawrent).
This week in Young STAR, we offer a quiz for you to find out if you’re ready to have a pet. You may not be ready now, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t become a full-fledged pawrent in time. The fact that you’re even taking this quiz means you care. And that’s always a good first step.
1. Something fluffy and huggable
Congratulations! You’re actually responsible enough to take care of another life! With your proven skills at keeping yourself alive, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to love and be the pawrent of another living thing. Be prepared to share your personal space, lose sleep over dog howls and get scratch wounds from the love of your life — and by that we mean your pet. Don’t worry; all of it will be worth it. If ever your love life fails, at least you have a backup plan to forever.
2. Something low maintenance
You like animals but not enough for you to follow their tails 24/7. You like your personal space and alone time. All you crave is company, not furry hugs and slobbery messes. A goldfish or a turtle should be good enough company for a literal Netflix and chill session (you get to choose the channel and you get to keep your seat). A lazy dog or cat (if these actually exist) would be good too. If you’re feeling a little dangerous, maybe get a tarantula or a lizard. You’ll get extra cool points for that too.
3. Take a “pawrent” training
You want to have a pet but that time when you accidentally killed your Shibo Dog (as in the app) still haunts you in your sleep. Maybe you’re not yet ready but there’s no better time than now to start your training as a pawrent. Ask your friend if you can babysit her dog for a night while she’s out partying at Valkyrie. Or better yet, go to an animal shelter and give love to abandoned cats and dogs. It’s good training and just like your party animal of a friend, you might just find your match made in animal heaven.
4. Maybe today is not the day
So you want to get a pet — but are you ready? Maybe learn how to take care of yourself first: KonMari the crap out of your room, finish your schoolwork or earn enough money to get you through the semester. Take notes from your parents on how they take care of you and practice their wisdom on inanimate objects. Maybe a Tamagotchi? A Neko Atsume, perhaps? If you want to take it up a notch, try buying a plant. If it’s still alive after your graduation, then maybe you can consider getting the dog of your dreams.