A life long commitment
Happy days are here again
I have just started to feel better. After Maude’s health scare, I got a little depressed. I thought I wasn’t going to be able to come out of it, but thankfully I did. When she was in the hospital I went into survival mode and had to stay positive so that she would get better. I had no choice, I had to be strong for her. It was only when she was safe and back at home did I finally deal with the emotional strain of having almost lost her.
People don’t get it. I hear, “She’s just a dog,” and I want to cringe. I don’t know, you either understand or you don’t. Animals to me, are more valuable than hedonistic humans. They definitely give more. There are times where I’ll realize that I have been petting my cat or dog for two hours straight, mindlessly. My objective is only their happiness. Is there any wonder that pets are responsible for extending our lifespans?
Initially when Maude was hospitalized, I kept asking anyone who would listen: Why is this happening to her? Why is she getting so sick? How am I going to cope with it? Then it dawned on me that it was meant to happen. Maude and I were meant to be together. Who better to take care of her?
If she had any other owner she would have been neglected or abandoned by now. Perhaps she would have been euthanized. But thankfully, the universe gave her the right home, and the right owners, with an extended and loving family.
I wish that all animals could be so lucky, but unfortunately many of them end up in homes with owners who do not have their best interests at heart. I hear stories of couples who after beginning a family, give away their pets because they feel that they are too much of a burden. I want to strangle those people.
Owning a pet is a life long commitment and should be taken seriously. You can’t abandon them, especially since they give so much love, and expect so little in return. Your only job is to feed them, hug them, and take them for a walk. It’s not that hard.
In fact, it’s a privilege. One many of us don’t deserve.
I possess great compassion and seek to be of service to others. 
Amen! I could not agree with you more. It is a privilege and I am thankful every single day.
I understand how you feel about Maude. I had to live without my beagle, Molly, for a whole week when they wouldn’t allow her in the hotel I was staying in. I never realized how much cared for her until she wasn’t there by my side. Pets surely do give a lot of love without expecting much in return.
For sure. They do.
I’m really happy that Maude pulled through. We rely on them as much as they rely on us; and you’re right; they DO give more. They give their whole lives to us. Love unconditionally. I’m facing something so difficult right now it brings me to tears and a sobbing mess. My Bailey girl who used to be so strong and powerful. The best dog I ever had is becoming lame. She’s 14 now. A black lab mix and “my golden child” as I’ve often described her is losing strength in her hind legs and is struggling to get up. I hate the thought of trying to decide “when it’s time”. Sometimes life is not fair, but I don’t want her to suffer. Life is precious..hug your dog every chance you get.
I’m sorry to hear about Bailey. Every pet owner needs to prepare themselves for the worst b/c they don’t live as long as us, but in the time that we have them, they give so much love.
I agree with you 100%. I have two dogs, one of them a rescue. I thank God everyday for having them in my life and I love them as much as I love my husband and child. Those who get it, understand. Those who don’t, its their loss! I am so happy that Maude pulled through and that she has a kind and loving human to depend on.
I love to hear you say that. I appreciate it so much. They are just as special as our children. I believe that so much.
So true…they just touch you in ways that humans can’t — and, as you point out, many humans don’t understand. I have an FIV+ cat who had to have his eye removed due to glaucoma, and a few people asked if perhaps I should think about… Certainly not. I made a commitment to the little beast, not to mention to the couple that rescued him from the streets but couldn’t keep him. Well said; kudos to you…and to Maude!
Thanks and bless you for giving your cat a lovely home.
Great post.
Thank you.
Hey Franco, I recently started to follow your blog and glad to hear about Bailey getting better. I have my pup Neeyo a husky, your right they deserve a special place in ones life and can never be placed elsewhere. I addition I also have a cat named Roxy, unlike Neeyo she adopted my family. She showed up a few times, after the third time I got her all the things she needed and she is def a grrr addition to the fam. But it’s been a challenge finding a place to rent who allow a dog and a cat while I get a place… Anyway, wish your pup and you the best;)
There are so many people who don’t see the value of animals, and it’s a shame. Humans can be so selfish, and cruel. In Canada, landlords can tell you not to have pets, but they have no legal recourse as soon as you move in with them!