Teddy's parents are initially motivated by sympathy to revive and comfort Rikki-tikki after they discover him completely exhausted and unconscious on their garden path. Teddy's mother brings Rikki-tikki inside their bungalow and wraps his body in cotton to warm him up. After reviving the mongoose, they give him something to eat and allow him to roam freely throughout their home. Later that evening, Rikki-tikki follows Teddy into his nursery and climbs into bed with him. Teddy's mother comments that she does not think it is a good idea to allow the mongoose to sleep next to her son but her husband informs her that Teddy is much safer with Rikki-tikki by his side. His comment reveals a second motivating factor, which is to keep Rikki-tikki as a pet in order to protect Teddy from poisonous snakes. Teddy's father understands and acknowledges Rikki-tikki's skill set and is motivated to keep him around to protect the family from dangerous snakes.

In relation to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, Teddy's parents are motivated by kindness and consideration. Rikki's an orphan whose parents have been killed by a high summer flood. At first, it seems that Rikki is also dead, but when it becomes apparent to Teddy's parents that he's still alive, they don't hesitate to take him back to the house. When they do, they quickly discover that Rikki's a very friendly young mongoose who's taken a real liking to their son. Rikki soon becomes Teddy's inoperable companion, following him everywhere and watching over him at night. Teddy's parents are worried that a cobra might slither in through an open window and attack him, and so they're very grateful to have Rikki around to protect their son as he lies sleeping in the nursery.