United States’ Military families face many challenges throughout their years in service. Military families who have pets may have to make some serious decisions regarding their beloved dogs and cats if they are deported overseas or are transferred to a different state or country. Pets provide an immense amount of security and love to families who deal with issues related to an absent family member or a life changing move to a different location.
A big challenge that military families often deal with is relocation. Because of the nature of working for the military, these families sometimes have to pick up and leave their current homes, neighbors, and friends; these transfers can be emotionally, physically, and mentally taxing and draining on children and parents. The security and stability a loving dog or cat can offer in rough times can make a huge difference.
One of the reasons that pets are such wonderful additions in families is that they are excellent companions. They seem to simply have an innate sense that knows when their owner is sad, upset, angry, happy, or not feeling well. Pets provide comfort by their mere presence; they seem to know just when to come up and sit next to a family member on the couch when they need a friend. Having a loved one deported overseas to fight in the war is traumatic for any military family. The stability and love of a pet can help ease the ache of missing someone close. Don’t forget that a dog who loves children is especially helpful when their daddy is away fighting. A dog provides a friendly playmate and pillow to hug for a sad child.
For families who are transported overseas, sometimes bringing the family pet along may prove a difficult task. There are a few organizations that specialize in the provision of foster homes for military pets who are unable to accompany their families. If an owner or family is immediately deported, scrambling to find arrangements for a pet can be tricky and stressful. These organizations provide loving homes and care for a pet who’s owner is away. Then, once the family or owner returns, they have a loving friend waiting for them. This is a great option, because the family is still able to keep their pet in the long run. Their other option is to drop the pet off at an animal shelter or pet adoption agency, which can be difficult and traumatic.
When moving around the United States becomes a constant theme in the life of a military family, having a pet is a great idea for families with kids. Moving is hard on children because they have to leave their current neighborhood, school, and friends. If they are able to keep their dog or cat, it provides them with a permanent friend until they are able to make new friends in their new hometown.
Even though keeping and caring for a pet may be difficult for military families, the comfort and love provided by a pet is beneficial and rewarding. Dogs and cats are friends that are irreplaceable, loving, and comforting. Even if a family needs to relocate and is able to bring their pet along, they can rest assured that if they leave their best friend in a loving foster home, their dog or cat will be ready and waiting anxiously for the day their family comes home.
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