The Magical and Nurturing Love of Pets
April 2024 Issue
Inspirations for Better Living
Pets are tricky. On the one hand, pets are wonderful companions for the elderly. On the other hand, pets can be expensive, require lots of work, and can outlive their owners. Too many times, pets are surrendered to shelters when their elderly owners pass away or must go to a nursing home. If your responsibilities include parenting your parent, you may want to be involved in the decision to have or not to have a pet. This type of conversation is tricky, too.
Mom loved Missy, a small terrier-mix dog. Dad loved Missy even more than Mom. He was crazy attached to Missy, taking her everywhere he went. After Dad died in 2017, Missy connected Mom to Dad, and they comforted each other in lonely times. Missy gave Mom a reason to get up in the mornings. Mom’s gray and black striped tabby cat, Tabbey, was around too, but she was a more distant member of the family. Tabbey wasn’t the friendliest cat. She liked Mom and Dad, but that was it.
Unfortunately, Mom and I had to put Missy to rest in 2021. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. A few weeks after Missy’s passing, I’m settling the lunch tab at Laurie’s Kitchen and out of the blue Mom says, “One of the hardest things is walking in the door after I’ve gone somewhere. How long did it take for you to get over losing your cats?” Her voice pleads with me for an end to the pain.
“I’m afraid it’s going to be like that for a while. I still see my cats walking across the kitchen and sleeping on the couch. For a long time, I swear I could feel my orange boy curled up against my arm at night. They are such a big part of our lives. I promise the day will come when you remember Missy and smile instead of cry.” I know the emptiness created by the loss of furry loved ones.
“I hope so.”
