Of mothers and pets

Mothers really have an uncanny way of imparting life lessons to their young ones. Eagles teach their young to fly by dropping them at high lengths from the sky, snakes lay eggs and wait for them to hatch then they leave their young to survive on their own at birth. My mother probably taught me a lot of things, but nothing remains quite memorable than her stand on pets.

Just yesterday as i was chatting with a good friend on Facebook, he happened to mention that he used to have a pet frog. Yes, a frog! Now, i don't know what makes a person choose a particular animal for a pet, but i always wanted a pet hamster. Okay, a pet goldfish. It's complicated really. My good friend Elenor had a pet snake. Janet from next door had pet rabbits, not mentioning every household in our local home who either had a dog, cat, or a pet in general. Yes people, i was forced to watch from a distance and desire, covet even.

My mother is my inspiration. I love her dearly. As i grew up, i learnt that the only way to love her would be to understand her and appreciate her for the person she is ( and she is a handful) . Does having a pet influence one's level of responsibility? (Silly question, but thinking about it, things make more sense.) If it does, i have all the more reason to link the person who i am today to my mothers attitude towards pets.

She has no allergies, but pets were (and still are) a no-no in the house.
Let me let you in on my weekly request to get a pet for the lat 13 years.

ME: Mom, can i have a pet?
MOM: No. Why do you ask?
ME: I just want one.
MOM: I'm sorry baby. Maybe when you have your own house. (At this time, she's sipping coffee as she lies on the sofa)
ME: How about a dog.
MOM: They're smelly and can give you rabbies sweetie
ME: Okay, how about a cat?
MOM: Fur-balls honey! And who do you think will clean the kitty litter?
ME: I will.
MOM: Sorry honey. No cats.
ME: What about a goldfish?
MOM: That'll give you salmonella honey.
ME: A hamster?
MOM; Don't be fooled child. That's a rat.
ME: Okay. A tortoise? (I was desperate)
MOM: Don't be funny. No.
ME: A turtle?
MOM: That's a tortoise in water child.

And this is where i gave up! That was our conversation every week on a Saturday afternoon for the last 13 years before i gave in and read the signs. At a very early age i learnt not to persuade my mom. In her own words: "If i have purposed something in my mind, I'm not changing my mind." Truly wise words.

As expected, i never had a pet when growing up. Thank God i had a brother to share in my pain (Yes, sweet misery loves company) Of course i tried taking in stray cats and dogs, maybe even a rat (funny story). . . If you're wondering, then yes, that didn't go well either. Please don't get me started.

Did i hate my mother for it? Maybe, but i learnt to be firm and keep my word.
I dunno if i'll have a pet sometime soon. . . But my children should brace themselves for a rollercoaster! Ain't no pet in my house till they're old enough to have their own homes. They'll thank me later (",)