We all open our lives up to our animals for different reasons. But I think a big reason is we just love their furry, fuzzy, wet nose companionship... their unconditional love... their warm little bodies curled up next to us on the sofa or bed. Getting a pet isn't always a rational, well thought out proposition. Its often an impulse purchase, or even in case of adoptions/shelter pets, we just fall in love with a certain animal, and we bring him home.
Owning an animal, as I'm sure we all know, is a big commitment - of time, money, and emotion. We may not always fully see what a commitment it truly is until we are right smack in the middle of it. What do we do with Max the pup when we want to go on vacation? Wow, I didn't realize he needed all those shots, tests, flea/tick/heartworm meds... every year! Spaying a cat costs how much?? Dental cleaning? for a dog? These are all things that come with pet ownership. Even the simple act of feeding your dog or cat isn't at all simple anymore. Dry... canned... all natural... holistic... grain free... by-product free.... gluten free... raw... frozen... organic... WOWWWWWW... the head spins just thinking about it.
I often hear friends with children say, there are many things you are never prepared for when raising a child, but you find a way to deal with them. You think you never have enough money for everything you want to give to and do for your child, but you do what you can. Well, its the same way, at least for me, with having pets. I have never owned an animal that did not at some point need special care regarding a health issue. Shadow suffered with an episode of bloat at age 7. That was a frightening time and I almost lost him. I thank my family for helping me get through that, as the surgery and subsequent hospitalizations were extremely expensive. He was never really the same, as that took a great deal of strength out of him. Then, two years later, he became ill, and after several tests and about $1000, I learned he had terminal cancer. I gave him all the love and support I could in those last weeks, and even with all the heartache and tears, I don't regret a minute of that time. He passed away peacefully with his head in my lap, thanks to my wonderful and kind veterinarian, who made one final house call. I cherish the years I had with Shadow. He was my first child.
My next dog, Rory (Shadow reincarnated) was pretty happy and healthy all the time I had him, luckily. A very bad turn of luck took him from me. He got out of my yard, and somehow - whether it was by his own wandering, or someone who picked him up - I found him four days later. He was 6 miles away, on a road we never traveled, hit by a car. I cried for days... still do. And I still tell him how sorry I am that happened to him.. every time I think about him. I feel a great amount of guilt, and feel responsible for his sad end. But I also remember how he made me laugh, how silly he was, and the time my new cat cornered him in the bathroom and wouldn't let him out. (he was 85lbs... cat was 12lbs :-D ).
Speaking of cats, that bold feline is still with me. Grace is the queen of my home, and quite aware of it. She rules over her kingdom with calm sovereignty, but puts her paw down when necessary to keep the others in line. And so far... she's healthy. (I probably just blew that!) She also is relentless with the chatter when she wants something, which is usually around midnight just as I'm falling asleep, as she hops onto the bed and starts a one-sided conversation with my ear. The only thing that quiets her is my hand on her back while she lays next to me.
The last feline addition to my clan is a tuxedo male I took in from a friend who couldn't keep him anymore. He is a silly, lovable troublemaker who thinks he's part dog. He follows along when I walk the terrorists, and comes when I call him. He also is on a prescription diet for FLUTD, and meds twice a day for hyperthyroid. I don't really want to add up what he costs me every month, lol. It doesn't matter, really, because he makes me laugh, curls up next to me at bedtime, and is just an all around awesome cat.
The terrorists so far are very healthy. But they are pretty young. I thought Ollie may be hypothyroid, but it turns out he's just fat. I guess I should be happy about that. But how do you shed pounds on a tiny dog who should weigh 10lbs, actually weighs 14, but only eats a 1/4 cup of food per meal? How the heck do I cut back on that? I guess its time for the green beans and plain yogurt diet. And maybe he needs to cut back on the donuts.
I have a horse too, but don't even get me started on that. $$$$$$$$$$$$ And health issues as well.
So what is the point to this long discourse? I suppose it is, as the subject states... true commitment. Its what we must give our pets, what we owe them, for their love and devotion. In todays society, everything seems to be disposable. Animals. Even, unfortunately sometimes, people. Its too convenient for us to change our minds when things get tough. Oh sorry, the puppy peed on the rug, take him back. Oh, the kitten scratched my kid (not saying anything about the kid picking up and squeezing the kitten until it lashes out - but no... that's another entry.) Well, my 14 year old dog is starting to get incontinent, just put her down. Are you kidding??
We owe them more than that, much more. We owe them respect. We owe them love. Most of all, we owe them a commitment to providing a safe, loving, happy home. So to all the people out there I read about every day, who hurt, abuse, disrespect, and cast away an endless stream of animals for all those sorry reasons, I say this...
Do me a favor. Get a pet rock. There is enough pain and heartache loving animals without you adding to it.
