On July 8, I opened my Facebook page with the words, “I’m in
tears” because my Boy (a beautiful black and silver tabby boy) had died. Today,
I’m laughing and giggling with the rest of the animals I have including the
little MinPin that I got on June 18. And I thank these furry little beasties
for what they have taught me. They live in the here and now and have taught me
the value and peace in that. So I grieve
and then I simply go back to living life one step at a time and enjoy every
step. And I don’t forget them either.
Bootsie, Jodie, Terry Lee, Silva and Sandy, the dogs from my childhood. And the
list of cats over the last 40 years is huge (I wrote them down and it is
staggering since I’m a serial cat owner). But I remember them all.
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| Boy, as a baby |
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| Boy, in his maturity |
I don’t go out and buy an animal to replace the one who
died. That simply doesn’t happen. But I’m not afraid to have another pet
because they might cause me pain when they die. I get another animal because I
love them in the house. Right now, I have two dogs and five cats in the house (one
of which hides and I only get glimpses of her). And a couple are getting older.
I will probably stay with this crowd for quite a while. And having said that, I
think I’ll take it one step at a time.
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| Reji and Joey. Yes, they have "boy" names but they are both girls |
It’s the same way with people for me. Yes, there is always
grieving but then the pain lessens and the memories remain. I never seem to
remember the dates of their deaths but instead I always have the most memories
on special days, birthdays, anniversaries, or going to a favorite restaurant,
sitting in the back seat for a ride with friends. And that is very comforting.
