A lot of people use pets as a learning experience to prepare for having children. The notion is not as odd as it might sound – pets require daily care and regular feeding, just as children do. They develop illnesses, adopt specific personalities, and attach themselves to their owners much as children attach to parents. There are some exceptions, such as reptiles, which care little for interaction with humans. But the vast majority of pets, be they fish, hamsters, or dogs, do appear to enjoy their owner’s presence. Fish, you might ask? Indeed. Certain types of fish, notably angel fish, will swim to any end of the fish tank that a person appears at, and remain there for an extended period. While you watch them, they watch you, in a game that seems to imply connection.
It’s not the same with fish as it is with most other animals that people choose as pets, of course. It’s impossible to handle fish like one does with a cat or a dog. And it’s the handling that creates some of the bond between owners and their pets. That’s why a lot of people prefer soft furry creatures as pets.
And of course, that’s why mammals are good teachers for those who desire to have kids in the future. Much like children, they can be picked up, touched, and fed in an air environment, rather than water. So while fish can seem to have personalities and character, if you want to experience the bond making that occurs between pets and their owners, go with mammals. Whether that leads you to a horse, dog, or cat, you’ll appreciate the learning experience that accompanies the raising of any of these creatures. Each occurrence will prepare you for raising a child well, whether that’s related to nutritional input or presenting a caring face when your loved one falls ill.
