I’ve written before about sharing the stories of losing beloved family pets and even included that as one of the daily prompts in my book A Simple Guide to Writing Family Stories. But I believe it’s just as important to share the stories of all those delightful experiences you had together, right? Let’s look at how to reminisce and write stories about your beloved dogs, cats, fish, hamsters, gerbils, birds, or _______ (fill in what I have missed).

Telling the Stories of Your Pets

The stories of your family pets are part of what I consider to be 5 easy starter topics to write for your family story collection. My mission is to help as many families as possible curate their family stories. But first, you have to get started. 

My focus is always on trying to remove any obstacles and hindrances that are holding you back. I know it’s hard to start and sometimes you just need a nudge.To help with this, I’m giving potential family story collectors 5 important stories to write for future generations. 

I’m giving you what I call the Big 5 – Personal Faith, Love Stories, Births, Career and now – last but not least – Pets. Read more about the Big 5.

Let’s take a look at how to write and curate those hilarious, tender, and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the animals we shared our homes and backyards with.

Important Stories That Sometimes Aren’t Told

When I was growing up, I was blessed to live in a home with parents who knew the benets – and JOY – of having pets. We had an aquarium. Guppies, beta fish, a rogue goldfish or two, and so much more.

We had dogs. We even had a cat even though my dad was clearly not a “cat person.” But that did mean I have lots of hilarious memories of Daddy trying to actually train our timid cat. It did not go well!

We had a parakeet or two. During one particularly adventurous time, my mother ordered Sea Monkeys (by mail since it was the 1960s). If you don’t know what Sea Monkeys are, check this out. I was mystified by these little creatures and to Mom’s credit, she spent just a few dollars to create a lot of fun for my sister and me.

How about you? I hope sharing some of my family’s pet history has gotten you started recalling all of your own pet stories.

Writing Your Own Pet Stories

The best way to get started writing pet stories is the same as writing any other family story. Pick one of your pets and jot down some notes of your memories. Just opening up your mind to the past and writing some notes will lead to so many memories. Once the memories start flowing, you’ll have no problem writing them down.

As I mentioned earlier, there is almost always sadness associated with family pets because their little lives can be so short. And because we end up loving them so much. But let’s don’t let that prevent us from remembering and curating all of the sweet memories.

Truth: We share our lives with animals because of the joy and delight that they bring to day-to-day life.

Here are some memory sparks to get you started:

• What did it mean to love a pet when you were a child or teen?
• How did having a pet help you cope with a difficult time in your life?
• What were your favorite activities with that pet?
• Tell all those hilarious stories about your pets that have been told by your family for years.
• How did it feel to lose that pet? 
• What impact did that loss have on the rest of your family members?

Now it’s time to sit down with your laptop, pen and paper, or maybe your phone’s voice memo app opened up. Start reminiscing about your family’s pet stories. Give your descendants stories to share with their own children about those wonderful animals that shared your home, your backyard, and your heart.

And… that’s a wrap on the Big 5 – Stories to Write First for Your Family Story Collection! 

If you missed one of the first 4 or the Introduction, use these handy links to catch up and get ready to write your first 5 family stories.

Big 5 Introduction | Personal Faith | Love Stories | Births | Career