The Cost of Unconditional Love by Angela Rieck

Gus is starting to cough more. 

Each time I hear it, I shudder. Gus has an enlarged heart. There is no cure. 

Gus is my little white Maltese dog. He is 18 years old and has had a long life.

But not long enough.

And it made me wonder, why do we adopt pets, knowing that we will outlive them? 

Here is the answer from experts.

• We adopt pets knowing we will eventually lose them because the joy, companionship, and emotional enrichment provided during a pet’s lifetime outweigh the pain of grief. 
• Our animals live in the moment. Being around a pet encourages us to slow down and appreciate their moments of joy.
• Our pets offer non-judgmental companionship. They love us no matter what.
• And for many or us, adopting is an act of compassion, especially when we rescue. Knowing that an animal has a limited life span makes us want to ensure those years are filled with safety, warmth, good food, and love.
• When we get our pets, we are anticipating the years of joy and companionship and not thinking about the end.
• Most people feel that these years of happiness, laughter, and affection balance outweigh the painful, but period of loss at the end. Grief is the price paid for love.
• There is a great deal of scientific evidence that proves that interaction with pets lowers stress, reduces feelings of loneliness, eases anxiety, and encourages physical activity and routine. 
• There is an added benefit for families. Caring for a pet teaches children empathy, responsibility, and the cycle of life. It provides a safe environment to learn how to love deeply and handle loss.

None of this is earth-shattering. Those of us who have pets already know this. But I guess this is as good as it gets, so I try to remember these reasons each day, knowing that the end is closer than the beginning.