Wednesday, June 18, 2008

On Grief

Okay, so not the cheeriest of subjects. Specifically, I've been thinking about the grief of losing a pet. I'm sad to report that two of the baby goats that were brought to the barn didn't make it. We fought valiantly, and managed to save the third (who will soon go live somewhere else so that she won't be an only goat...we'll miss her, but know she'll be happier with someone her own age). In addition, some relatives just lost a beloved pet. It's so sad. I've been there, and unfortunately, will be again some day.

I have known people who lose a pet and swear they'll never have another just so they don't have to go through the pain again. While I understand how torn up they are, it's not a theory I subscribe to. It's difficult accepting the fact that our sweet furry family members can only be with us for a short time. But I, for one, wouldn't trade the lessons in love they give us for anything--even if they can be bittersweet. I don't care if you're a dog person, a cat person, or drawn to some other type of pet...animals have so much to give us, and so much to teach us. I love the old quote about "I'd like to be the person my dog thinks I am".

Life is short. There are no guarantees. It can change in the blink of an eye (let me tell you, I learned that one but good two years ago). We're not promised tomorrow. So love today. Show your love--tell your loved ones how you feel...better yet, show them. And go smooch the dog and the cat!

1 comment:

Lythrum said...

I am with you. I was so torn up by the loss of my cat of 13 years that I didn't want to get another pet for the reasons that you described. But I wouldn't mind getting one now, but we have to wait until the baby is a bit older. I would trade the time that I had with Biscuit for much of anything. :)