Olympian Giaan Rooney shares the five life lessons pet adoption has taught her kids
"Having a rescue animal has taught my children more about the importance of respect"
By Giaan Rooney
Growing up raising rescue animals – including five rescue cats – I knew from an early age the positive impact that this had on my life.
From understanding the responsibility involved with caring for an animal, to appreciating that not everyone or every animal has the same story in life – it was one of the most important parts of my childhood and has played a huge role in shaping the person that I am today.
After having this personal experience from a young age, I knew it was something that I wanted my kids to also experience, so that they too could learn the invaluable life lessons.
The five invaluable life lessons pet adoption has taught my kids
1. Responsibility
Like so much of Australia, we took the opportunity to introduce our current rescue dog, Roy, to his new home during lockdown.
With the kids being home schooled and spending more time around the house, they had the chance to really bond with Roy and get a greater understanding of what’s involved in caring for a pet.
From walking and feeding Roy, to washing and training him, the list of responsibilities that came with raising a puppy was endless! It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences watching my kids take the lead and offer to help with daily tasks (most of the time) to help keep Roy happy and healthy.
Former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney with her pup, Roy, and two children, Zander, seven, and Alexa, four.
2. Compassion
Any person or family that considers adopting a pet shows compassion simply by making the decision to adopt.
Taking care of Roy and educating my children about where he came from – a rescue group with no permanent family – really opened their eyes to animals in unfortunate situations.
3. Leadership
Because we got Roy when he was a puppy, there was a lot of training required. While he had received some basic training from the rescue group, there were a few skills that we needed to teach him.
As a family, we spend hours working together to train Roy. This helped to really establish my children’s relationship with him and take the lead in teaching him a trick or two.
Giaan adopted Roy during lockdown in 2021.
4. Respect
Having a rescue animal has taught my children more about the importance of respect and respecting other things, people or animals.
They understand his boundaries and respect when he wants quiet time – something that can definitely be applied to humans (especially parents!).
5. Loyalty
Pets are extremely loyal. The love that they have for their owners – big or small – is a great example for children because it shows them how to treat others.
I’ve seen firsthand how the friendship that my kids have with Roy has positively impact their friendships at school and with other family members.
Giaan says adopting Roy from a rescue group helped opened her children’s eyes to animals in unfortunate situations.
For any parent looking to welcome a new furry family member into the home, I strongly encourage them to look at introducing a rescue animal.
Throughout March, PETstock Assist is hosting its National Pet Adoption Month initiative to help change the lives of the thousands of homeless animals in need of a loving home. It’s the perfect opportunity to speak to your children and educate them on the adoption landscape and potentially even meet the next furry, feathery or scaly member of your family.
