The more people I meet, the more I like my cats. An old saying, and yet somehow so true. Pets are so important in our lives, they provide companionship, company, therapy, and the one thing no human in the world can - unconditional love.
I started thinking about this topic when a co-worker and I were talking. The question came up, why is it so hard to lose a pet, sometimes harder than a person? I started thinking about the answer, and I have come up with a few.
1) most pets are just a shorter, furry member of the family. They are as important to us as family.
2) Their life expectancy is alot shorter than humans, so their loss seems greater at such a "young" age.
3) Pets are very perceptive - to our moods, our needs, and how to soothe us.
4) Pets are better than the best shrink at knowing us.
5) Pets will listen to you, and never get tired of your complaining, and never answer back.
6) Pets are really cute - well at least mine are.
7) UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE. No human, no matter how good, and no matter how hard they try can offer you that.
Growing up we always had cats and dogs as pets. Then when I went to college and the ten years after that when I was traveling, I didn't have any pets. I didn't really think anything of it. Three years ago a very good friend suggested that I get a cat. I was going through a rough period in my life and she thought a cat would help me. I thought about it for a while, what did I need a pet for? But then I decided something to come home to would be nice. So after a trip to the humane socitey, I left with two beautiful cats, Star and Mason.
Long story short, after two weeks I wondered how I ever lived for 10 years without pets. And I will never be without them again. Right now as I type this, sitting next to me on the couch is my cat Star - every once in a while she will look over at the screen. She must approve of what I am writing, she hasn't tried to step on the keyboard and delete any of it yet!
Now I am not saying that pets are better than people all the time (most maybe, but not all). And I am not saying that there aren't really good people out there, I happen to be very lucky in that aspect. I know a lot of good people. But all people have their baggage and issues and sometimes, nothing but a bark or a purr from your favorite pet will do.
Until next time
We weren't allowed to have pets, growing up. Only since I've been married, have I been able to know how much they give to us humans. The love I have for my Shepherd Yogi and my Poodle, Snow Ball, can not be put into words. Before this, we had our little Pug and an Australian Sheepdog. We've also had 3 cats.....and I don't know how many chickens. My life is better because of them all!
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