Dogs also bring responsibility. They require exercise. It is not enough to take a dog for a walk once a day and then leave it alone in a dark basement (where it has already spent the night) or chain it on a short leash. One family in England had an active sheepdog but no sheep! That dog became neurotic and had to be given away to a farmer.

Hence, anyone who really wants a pet should consider whether he is willing to make the daily sacrifices necessary for a healthy pet. Does he have the facilities for proper care and attention? And remember, animals eat and big animals eat a lot! That can make quite a dent in your pocketbook​—yet another factor to take into account. Animals do get sick, and medical costs may take you by surprise.

Another factor is hygiene. The tongue of many animals is also their washcloth, which they use for all parts of their body! While animals are equipped to handle the germs that they ingest, children may not be. So do not encourage your child to kiss an animal. Even allowing an animal to lick your child’s face and hands may expose the child to health problems, possibly including worms. When it happens, washing with soap and water at once may prevent infection. Pets should have their own feeding dishes and should not be allowed to lick plates used by humans. Animals can bring fleas and other “undesirables” into the home. Some owners of dogs wisely do not allow them in their houses.

Cats and Dogs​—And You

Not all adults consider the consequences of accepting another “member” into the family. They do not always foresee the inconveniences and responsibilities that a pet can bring. This may especially be true of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who lead such busy lives in their Christian ministry and are often away attending meetings and Christian conventions. Then the problem of finding someone to care for the pet arises. Certainly, it would not be appropriate to miss Christian activities because of an overly sentimental attachment to animals.​—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Today, when many husbands and wives are out all day at their secular work, lonely cats and dogs in city apartments are a growing problem.