Everyone handles kids going to college differently. Some people may be excited for the life change. Others may be anxious. Some may feel a mix of emotions. Will the new-found freedom be refreshing? Or will it be too quiet and empty without children in the house?
One thing's for sure: a loving pet can provide comfort and purpose for pet parents missing their human children.
Empty nest pets are animals that help fill the void kids moving out leave in their parents' lives. For eighteen years or more, children depend on their parents, and once they leave the house, animals can step in to give moms and dads a new friend to take care of and love.
Here are two real-life stories of parents and the pets that helped them through this big life change.
Andrea and Owie: Empty Nest Pets Can Change Your Life
When her daughter moved away to attend culinary school, Andrea sunk into a deep depression. She felt so lost without her child that she even moved the rest of her family to the same city as her daughter. However, the move didn't help. Andrea questioned everything about her life once her daughter went to college and blossomed into an adult.
Andrea's marriage suffered as a result of her depression. Andrea said, "I realized that over the years of taking care of kids and spending so much time working on my business, my 25-year relationship with my husband had gotten the shorter end of the stick. I sunk into a deep depression and gained a lot of weight. Overall, I think the hardest part of my daughter Cara leaving was fearing that she and I would grow apart, and I would end up being all alone."
Owie to the Rescue!
"Owie had come to us 11 years earlier. He won our hearts, and we adopted him into our home. I was really worried about how Owie would handle Cara's absence, so although Owie had always been Cara's cat, I felt very protective of him. I credit Owie with helping me to stay grounded and connect with my heart.
"One day Owie had an accident and was limping. When I took him to the vet, he explained that although his accident was minor, he could see that Owie had gotten so obese that if he didn't start losing weight he would die. That brought me to the sober realization that I was overcompensating with food by overfeeding Owie and myself. As I began to reduce Owie's food intake, I started making my own changes and got healthier and pulled myself out of the depression."
While Owie's accident led to lifestyle changes for both Andrea and her cat, the duo's everyday shared moments were a huge comfort during the transition. "There were several things I did with Owie that helped me feel better about Cara, but one of the most valuable was taking naps each afternoon with him in Cara's room. He would cuddle in my arms as I cried. It felt like Owie really understood the depth of sadness that I was feeling about not having Cara around.
"In the evenings especially, when I felt Cara's absence the most, I would sit with Owie and groom him, and talk and cry. There was something so healing about being with Owie, stroking his fur, rubbing his belly, and hugging him. Wow! I could go on forever. I credit Owie with helping to heal my heart during the most painful and scary time in my life."
Andrea isn't the only person that Owie helped during the transition of the kids going to college. He also bonded with her husband, which in turn benefited his pet parents' marriage.
Tasty Tips
Julie, David, Socks, and Sterling: Empty Nest Pets Enhance Your Family
Like many people, Julie was simultaneously excited and nervous about how her life would change without children at home. She knew that she raised independent children who were ready for the college experience, but going from a house of five, to four, to three, and then just she and her husband took some getting used to.
"I was a little anxious about the kids going to college, but felt confident that they were prepared for it. It took a while to get used to such a quiet house. We missed the children, but also enjoyed our 'independence' to come and go without considering dinner, homework, and sports."
The loss of a routine is often both freeing, yet difficult to adjust to for many parents. It's also why many animals become empty nest pets. Dogs, cats, and other pets require constant attention, feeding, and grooming. They encourage a relaxed routine that helps with the transition.
For David's fiftieth birthday, Julie gave him a present that forever changed their whole family: Socks, a Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund mix). The couple later invited Sterling, also a Chiweenie, into their home to be a playmate for Socks. "Our dogs are very needy, always wanting to cuddle. We oblige. Taking care of them helps me keep a schedule and provides comfort knowing 'someone' is home when I get home for work. The dogs are always crazy happy to see us when we get home. I look forward to that! We have several friends our age who also have dogs, so now in addition to talking about our children, we also talk about our dogs."
Socks and Sterling enhanced Julie and David's already happy life, but the Chiweenies play a large role in their children's lives as well. "The dogs are always excited to see the kids when they come to visit. My daughter, Elizabeth, got a Dachshund when she was at college and that inspired us to get one also. My son also got a dog when he was in college, so suddenly we became a multi-dog family. Our youngest daughter got two cats in college also. We cat-sit frequently and all the pets get along nicely."
Images courtesy of Andrea | Julie and David
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small & Mini Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken, Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dog Food
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken, Carrots & Spinach Stew Dog Food
Delicious roasted chicken paired with tender vegetables in a succulent stew
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Large Breed Chicken Meal, Brown Rice & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day one
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Related articles
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Items to Keep in Your Pet Emergency Kit
Whether a storm hits or your pet becomes injured or sick, learn how to be ready with a well-stocked first-aid pet emergency kit.
TAILS of Aging in Older Pets
Learn the five key criteria for observing aging in your pet, including thinking, activity, interaction, loss of control and sleep cycles.
Pet Sitter Checklist: 7 Essential Items
If you have a new sitter for your furry friend, use our pet sitter checklist to ensure they know your pet's essential info & exactly how to care for them.
Pet Food Storage Tips
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Can Dogs & Cats Have Avocados? (& Are They Safe?)
Even though avocados are healthy for humans, discover whether they're safe for dogs & cats (including details on potentially harmful ingredients for pets).
What Dog Breed is Best for My Cat?
Learn why some dog breeds are better for cats than others, including recommendations based on breed size & temperament, and tips for introducing them.
Should You Microchip Your Pet?
Should you microchip your pet? Learn how this technology works, what your pet can expect at the vet and other ways to keep track of your furry friend.
What is Styptic Powder for Dogs & Cats?
Styptic Powder for Dogs & Cats: What Does it Do?
Does Shaving a Pet for Summer Keep Them Cooler?
While it might seem logical that shaving your pet during the hot summer months would keep them cooler, learn why this practice usually isn't a good idea.
What You Should Know About Pet Food Calories
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe for Pets?
Learn which cleaning product ingredients can be hazardous for dogs & cats, which alternatives are safer and tips for using cleaning products around pets.
Fats
Discover the benefits of dietary fats and fatty acids in your pet's food, and how they are important to the overall health of your pet.
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
Understanding Shedding Season for Cats and Dogs
Learn all about dog & cat shedding seasons, including what a typical shedding cycle looks like and how to deal with all the hair in your home.
What You Need for a Pet Disaster Plan
When the worst happens, you might not know what to do. Find out how to create a pet disaster plan to keep your fur baby happy, healthy and safe.
The History of "Fighting Like Cats and Dogs"
Are dogs and cats really mortal enemies or can they learn to get along. Read on to learn more about the myth of dogs and cats always fighting.
How to Perform CPR on Dogs & Cats
Knowing how to perform CPR on a dog or cat can potentially save your pet's life. Learn the step-by-step instructions you need to know.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.