Pets are a wonderful blessing. They become family and very important to people at various stages of their lives. And this one was family and important in the first seconds she came to us. I’ve had the blessing many times over of the love and attachment of pets for our family.
Today’s anniversary marks the passing of one of those loved ones. A very special one who we thought might not make it at a young age. Siblings had feline leukemia and passed. After we survived that scare she landed in the vet hospital for many days with feline pancreatitis and almost died. That was the first time I ever had to make a financial decision about pet care because it was very expensive. Well, it really didn’t need a discussion. It just paused me because I knew it would set our family back and we had young children at the time and weren’t rich. Even if we spent a ton of money it wasn’t even clear she would survive. But those are the commitments you take on when you get pets. You are responsible for their wellbeing.
But she survived and lived and loved for well over a decade more. She loved and took care of us as we did for her. But for one family member, she was more than a pet. The closeness between them was wonderful to watch. The support they gave each other. The loving sounds and play. The tears when and longing looks when they were apart. The excitement when reunited be it each day after grade school and waiting for them by the door to get off the bus. Or when she left for college and would return for visits.
Animals can teach us a lot about life. Loyalty, Love, Fun, and Rest. I’m a firm believer that pets are able to communicate with us and us with them. I’m so glad that my children have the love and respect for our 4 legged friends. I think that compassion for animals is essential in life.
I wish I had the words to say how special the relationship with your first pet is. It stays with you a lifetime. It provides both smiles and tears. It’s tough to do as you get older because the loss is harder to deal with. But I will always have the place for a pet in my home and heart. And I’ll support those who don’t have homes.
I know this is a difficult day for my daughter. I want to give her a hug but jobs and life are keeping us apart today.
Random Thoughts of the Day
- I worked hard all my life to become smarter. Now I’m finally there and I’m having trouble remembering it.
- If your happy with what you have done in life. Good for you. I’m beginning to think that this is a limited club.
- Some people can be very comfortable in very uncomfortable surroundings.
- Some people underestimate the intelligence of people to their own peril.
