The big life lessons you've learnt since owning a pet

Chukka came into Amy and her husband Hugo's lives at the right time. (Supplied) Link copiedShareShare articleThere are very real struggles when it comes to owning a pet, despite our love and affection for them. After Bruce shared the challenges he faced when becoming a less-than-perfect puppy parent, many of you told us about similar experiences. We also heard from readers whose pets taught them important life lessons, and have helped them through the darkest times. Ian says he had a unique bond with his Kelpie, Bonnie. (Supplied) "My dad shot through when I was 13 and I vowed never to have kids, so as not to repeat his mistakes. "My wife got me an abandoned kelpie in 2012. I was pretty strung-out mentally. Bonnie the kelpie was a big fan of the beach. (Supplied) "That dog pushed every damn button, even ones I didn't know existed. Any dog would've, so it wasn't the breed. I needed a high-energy dog for my high-energy mind and body. At a year old, we were inseparable, as she needed me as much as I needed her. But we were still challenged by each other. "As we aged together, we bonded super close. Twelve years later, she died. That day, lying with her while she passed away, still grabs me every single day. "The best dog is the dog that teaches us a lesson. I know that now, but back then when she was young, she tested me hard. We are blessed to see them through their entire life. Enjoy every minute, as those times end, and every minute is worth the effort." "My dog Rory is also a kelpie X working dog. "I am a worrier and I can become irritated when things aren't as I would like them to be. I completely neglected to give much thought to whether my personality would slot into a dog's lifestyle. Spoiler — it did not. "But Rory has turned out to be a great companion, and though he is not the perfect dog, he is reasonably well-behaved and mostly does what he is told. "Dog ownership can be a real challenge. Especially when training a puppy. But the rewards can turn into our favourite memories, and loneliness is not nearly as bad when you have an animal that wants to be with you, even when you are feeling flat. "We are about to go road tripping together around the country for three months. I can't wait to show him things he's never seen or smelt before. He is my second dog, and I have learnt caring for any animal is a privilege." Visiting the dog park is an important part of Hades and Gemma's lives. (Supplied) "I've had two rescue dogs, one easy-going bitsa and one incredibly challenging rottweiler X German shepherd with anxiety and leash aggression. It's opened my eyes and led me to write to my local council a few times about extra fenced areas for anxious dogs in dog parks, which has been a really positive experience and has led me to meet other dog owners in a similar position." Gemma's rottweiler X German shepherd is named Hades. (Supplied) "I was 50 before my wife was ready for me to have a dog. After 40 years of being without a canine, my choice was a rescue. I wasn't expecting the level of drama that she would bring to our house. She was an anxious, reactive, nervous wreck — and we were perfect for each other. "In an attempt at self-improvement, we trained together and we lived together. We socialised together and we found each other's boundaries. "I think being the steward of a demanding breed is a challenge, but if you can get over your own failures and see them as lessons, then it's one of the most rewarding things you can continue to do." Georgette's dogs, Quinlyn and Neava, occasionally enjoy some landscape gardening. (Supplied) "We have two large (one very large) dogs, both under two years of age: a Maremma, and an Irish wolfhound. One morning, our Maremma and our wolfhound had decided to do some landscaping of their own invention. My autumn sedums, early crocus, and belladonna flower heads lay strewn on what remained of our front lawn. "[Later at the supermarket] as I heaved two large dog rolls into my trolley, an elderly lady clutched my arm. 'Do you have dogs?' She didn't wait for my answer. 'I had a dog for 14 years, but she died last year.' The old dear began to cry and produced a photo of a little, fluffy white dog. 'See! I miss her so much. My family won't let me get another dog. They say I'm too old and they don't want to be stuck with it when I die.' She stared into my face as if expecting a solution, then continued: 'I'm not scared of dying, dear, I'm scared of these dogless days before I die. Enjoy your dogs while you have them, and don't let anyone tell you you're too old to love a dog.'" "I had been dreaming for years about owning a poodle cross. "When the time came for my new mini-groodle to arrive, I was prepared with all the doggy paraphernalia. Natalie is now the owner of two charming young rescue cats, Vinney and Bruno. (Supplied) "I aimed for perfection but slipped into anxiety and depression after only 3.5 weeks. I felt as if an alien had taken over my bra

The big life lessons you've learnt since owning a pet

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