Those of you who have a pet know all too well what it means to add a new member to the family. After all, they do become family.
Having two dogs and two cats while growing up, I could never say I was the best “older brother” to those four because I was too busy with friends, playing baseball and going to the community pool. Probably a poor excuse I suppose but, even at that, I gained a great deal of respect for animals.
I’m appalled when I hear how animals are abused on a daily basis. Even this past week, a dog was shot with an arrow and, by the time he was found, he had bled out and died. That family owning the dog was probably in shock that something like that could even happen.
I’ve heard stories of animals being poisoned by neighbors. How cruel can people be?
When I did spend time with our pets growing up, it was quality time. One dog we had was named Peanuts. He was a short terrier mix with some brown in his face but mostly a black coat. He was a very loving dog.
He wasn’t a lap dog, but he would snuggle. His favorite position was lying on the inside of me when I would lie on the couch. I think he felt safe and secure between the back of the couch and myself.
Through social media, you can see plenty of people posting photos of their family pets, their friends, their “kids,” whether is be their birthday or a funny pose or anything cute.
On the dark side of social media, people will post photos of animals who have been harmed or even killed. As soon as I see a photo like that pop up on my computer, I immediately move along.
Sadly, many post photos of their pets who have passed away, having crossed over the Rainbow Bridge as many say. It’s amazing how many people will offer condolences or give a sign of sympathy through tearful icons or heart signs.
Those who love animals, especially their beloved pet, feel a special bond with those who have lost a loved pet.
Pets give us so much pleasure when they keep us company or warm on a winter night or when they do something super cute or goofy.
Pet owners fill their phones with a million photos of their furry friends.
I have not owned a pet in decades for one simple reason and, I admit, it’s a selfish reason. I find it too sad when they pass away and cross over that bridge. It tore me apart four times as a youth and those feelings never go away.
My two daughters each have cats; one an orange tabby female named Izzy and the other a Siamese male named Sebastian. Sebastian was 3 years older and, for his entire life (now 15), has lived with another cat.
Over the 11 years Izzy has been in the family, I’ve grown to love her beyond my imagination. Just like Peanuts, I I had a special communication with her.
She loved my daughter Ashley because Ashley raised Izzy practically from birth. They were inseparable and, when Izzy wasn’t with Ashley, she would be a snuggle partner to Sebastian. I can’t tell you how many photos we have of the two wrapped up in a ball.
Although not a lap cat, Izzy would only snuggle or lie on Ashley. I was always jealous Izzy didn’t love me that much.
Over the last year, Izzy started coming around to me where, eventually, she did sit next to me or even lie on one of my extended arms. To show my appreciation, I would practically rub the fur off her back.
I was in heaven. Finally, Izzy felt secure enough to be with me. Nothing beat her purring up a storm as I rubbed the top of her head and neck.
She wasn’t a typical cat; she actually came running when called or, if asked to sit by you, she would meander slowly, cautiously until she found a good spot.
Izzy didn’t play with toys. You could roll a tennis ball right at her and she would look at it and do nothing, then look at you like she was saying, “Don’t expect me to get that ball.”
Oddly enough, her favorite toy wasn’t a toy at all. It was the drawstring from a hoodie sweat jacket. She would drag that string upstairs and then downstairs. It was the craziest thing. I often wondered if it was like her security blanket.
This past week, quite unexpectedly, Izzy was found on the bed quiet and still, not responding to her name. She was gone.
I wasn’t ready for her to leave; I wanted many more nights of bonding, more days of happiness and joy she brought to us all.
As for Sebastian, he walks around the house looking for Izzy in every nook and cranny of the house, crying for her. He’s lost his best friend and, for the first time in 15 years, he’s alone.
Thankfully, we all have plenty of photos of Izzy on our phones.
Quote of the week
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remain unawakened.” – Anatole France
Thought of the week
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent.” – Milan Kundera
Bumper sticker
“Cats are angels with fur.” – Sark
