Some pets can run fast enough to break the national speed limit, whereas others barely move at all. All have one thing in common though: they need you to look after them, and with that responsibility comes a more measured, less self-centred approach to life.
Just as new parents find their lifestyles are changed dramatically when the baby arrives, getting a pet for the first time can radically alter the owner’s daily routine, as the new addition to the household needs to be fed, watered and given plenty of love and attention. These activities will mean reducing time spent away from home, and more time just observing, getting to know and being there for the new pet.
Different pets have different requirements, but almost all are highly compatible with Slow Life living. Cat owners will talk at great length about how there’s nothing more calming than spending time with their eccentric sleeping habits, individual charms and quirks. Owning a cat will mean adopting a more home-focused approach to life for many, as while they don’t need to be exercised or played with to the same extent that dogs do, they do still need to be fed!
Dogs place more demands on their owners than many other pets, and it is crucial that would-be owners ensure they have the time and space for such a needy companion in their lives. For those up to the job, owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience, as a well-loved dog provides plenty of affection in return.
Daily walks – perhaps the most time-demanding element of dog ownership – are all part of the appeal for those who have the time and space in their lives for a dog, and are certainly a bonus in Slow Life terms: they provide a focus and a purpose for those who find solitary walking a little dull, and introduce a routine of regular quiet time, contemplation and exercise.
Owning a pet is said to be good for one’s health, and it’s easy to see how welcoming an animal into your home can calm – and focus – the mind. Just make sure you’re ready for that lifestyle shift before you adopt!
Image: Hitchster
