Last week my husband and I faced the day every pet owner dreads. After consulting with the veterinarian and going over lab results, we made the decision to euthanize our elderly cat. Even though we knew it was the best decision for her, sparing her what would have amounted to few weeks of pain and suffering, it was still hard to sign those final papers. She was the last of the original 4 Persian show cats we had adopted after their breeder retired them from being shown. The maintenance for that breed of cat is something you cannot imagine until you bring one into your family. Although I can’t sat I will miss the work involved, I miss my cats. They were my husband’s physical therapy companions. They had witnessed and been part of over a decade of life in our home.
Since Krista died last week, I have heard some of the usual comments concerning pets. “They love us unconditionally.” “They always greet us when we come home, and they are happy to see us no matter what mood we’re in.” “My dog/cat doesn’t care if I gain weight or if I lose my hair or if I don’t have makeup on or if I wear something really stupid. They love me anyway.” “When I feel sad, my pet will instinctively stay by my side and comfort me.” “They make me feel better without having the ability so say a word.”
After hearing all of the well known statements about how our cats and/or dogs love us unconditionally and comfort us without question, it occurred to me: Isn’t that they way we should treat one another? Maybe we can learn a lesson in how to treat our loved ones simply by watching our pets.
