15/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 15, 2026 theSunday Special XI

You’re not a bad pet parent, you’re just human. Here are the most common early missteps and how to dodge them with grace: • Expecting instant bonding: Not all pets rush into your arms. Some take days (or weeks) to warm up. Give them space to learn you’re safe. • Skipping structure: ‘Free roam’ sounds kind – but without routines and rules, pets (especially puppies and rescues) get anxious or act out. Structure builds trust. • Over-Googling everything: Yes, it’s good to be informed. But obsessively searching for every sneeze or odd behaviour will only raise your blood pressure. Use a vet-approved site or, better, call your vet. • Ignoring your own stress: Pets sense your energy. If you’re frustrated or sleep-deprived, take a pause. A walk, a nap, a breath. Self-care helps them too. • Forgetting that this is new for them too: You’ve got a manual. They don’t. Every sound, surface and rule is brand new. Give them time to catch up and yourself time, too. Rookie mistakes (almost) every new owner makes It’s still tiring. Still messy. But it’s yours – this bond you’ve built, this rhythm you’ve created, this beautiful, imperfect companionship that now feels like home. You may not feel instantly connected. Some pets warm up in days. Others take weeks, even months. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re building trust – one meal, walk, cuddle or treat at a time. Keep showing up. Keep learning HDFK RWKHU¶V ODQJXDJH 7KDW ¿UVW PRPHQW of real connection – the tail wag, the head bump and the relaxed purr – will come. It’ll be worth every early-morning accident and emotional wobble. If you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Reach out. Talk to other pet own ers. Join local groups. Contact your vet, shelter or trainer for guidance. Some times, a 15-minute chat with someone who’s been through it helps more than hours of Googling “why is my kitten climbing the curtains again”. If things truly aren’t working, if the match feels wrong despite your best H̆ RUWV LW¶V RND\ WR SDXVH DQG DVN IRU KHOS It’s better to rehome responsibly than to VX̆ HU VLOHQWO\ RU FRPSURPLVH WKH SHW¶V wellbeing. But give it time. Most chaos calms by the third month. The magic sneaks in quietly And then one day, without fanfare, it clicks. Your rescue dog stops flinching at sudden sounds. Your kitten follows you from room to room. Your rabbit jumps LQWR \RXU ODS IRU WKH ¿UVW WLPH

S O , you brought home a pet. Con gratulations. You’ve stocked the food, picked out toys, Googled every possible name and posted that adorable ‘first day home’ photo. The highlight reel has begun. But here comes the part social media didn’t show: The sleepless nights. The shredded curtains. The poo in places you GLGQ¶W NQRZ FRXOG EH SRRHG LQ 7KH ¿UVW few months with a new pet are magical and mildly terrifying. Even the most SUHSDUHG RZQHUV ¿QG WKHPVHOYHV DVNLQJ “Wait, is this normal?” Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Wel come to the adjustment phase, for you and your animal. I Q WKH ¿UVW IHZ GD\V \RXU QHZ SHW PLJKW seem shy, wild or weirdly … aloof. That’s all right. Like any relationship, it takes time to settle in. For rescues especially, this period can include fear, confusion or even a bit of shutdown. They’re in a strange place with new smells, sounds and rules. You’re in a strange headspace full of hope and uncertainty. It’s a lot for everyone. Your routine will be tested Pets don’t care that you’ve got Zoom calls or weekend brunch. They will pee when they shouldn’t, meow at 3am, bark at the postman, chew your slippers and rear range your emotional priorities. Puppies might cry through the night. Cats might avoid you entirely. Rabbits may chew through your charger on day two. You’ll lose sleep. You’ll question your decision. You’ll text your friend: “Is it normal if he hasn’t pooped yet?” Yes. It is. Whether it’s toilet habits, crate ad justment or learning basic commands, training takes time and consistency. And more patience than you think you possess. There will be progress. Then setbacks.

The part of pet parenthood no one posts about

BY SIMON VELLA

Social media shows the cute. Here’s the part where you Google “Why is my dog crying at 3am?” and cry a little yourself Is she eating enough? Why is he shak ing? These are the normal panic spirals of new pet parents. While it’s always good to check with your vet if you’re unsure, try not to assume disaster every time something odd happens. That said, never ignore gut instinct. If something truly feels R̆ JHW LW FKHFNHG %HWWHU D KDUPOHVV YHW bill than a missed emergency. Guilt will sneak in You’ll feel bad leaving them alone. You’ll feel bad getting frustrated. You’ll feel bad for saying ‘no’ too sternly. Welcome to Then more progress. Some days, it’ll feel like a win just to get your dog to pee outside instead of on your new rug.

They’re adjusting too. Be as patient with them as you are with yourself.

responsible pet ownership – where guilt is common, but growth is optional. The truth? Pets don’t need perfection. They need safety, care and love that shows up daily – even on the days you’re running RQ FD̆ HLQH DQG UHJUHW