Just about every kid in America wants a pet. Parents on the other hand, would prefer not to have said “pet”. There are just as many arguments as to why a child should have a pet, as there is to not have a pet. Some arguments are plausible, others not so much. Reality is a pet of any kind requires care, time and money. Pets can be both a blessing and a curse, even under the best of conditions.
Trust me when someone says, “it will help teach the kids responsibilities”, that’s not necessarily true. I had cats as a child; I might have had a fish too. I can assure you I fought my mom when it came time to clean out the litter box, or feed the cat. I even recall, a time where I killed the gold fish when in a rush, I made the water too hot. Does that mean I was a murder? “Fish are friends not food!” Each time I had to interrupt, my schedule I wasn’t really happy. Sure, I enjoyed the cats company, and when they snuggled in bed with me, but feed it and clean up after it, no way. My own children to this day, hate to clean up the yard, or clean out the cages.
Today, pets can come in a variety of forms. I even have heard of people having a pet rock or virtual pet. Apparently, you can get a computer game along with a stuffed animal and care for it via the computer. If you don’t provide attention, care, food etc., the virtual pet dies. Interesting concept, not sure if it really teaches a child anything.
When I got married 25 years ago, we adopted a cat. Along with that we had two parakeets. Well who knew a kitten could catch a parakeet and bring it to its untimely death? Lesson learned there. Over the years we obtained 2 cats, 5 dogs, 3 birds, 150 gallon fish tank, 25 gallon fish tank, 2 children, many hamsters, hermit crabs, chinchilla,3 tortoises,2 bearded dragon, and a uromastyx lizard. Surprisingly at this time, we only have 2 tortoises and the 1 lizard. These critters now belong to my “adult” children; however they are still in my home. Wow! After reviewing that list, I think I can see why Becky has chosen the Zoology Field.
Anyway, each critter that came into the house has brought a lesson of some kind. The Lessons learned cover everything from housing to lighting, to location and food. We learned about death, and grief. I know more than I thought I did, but not as much as there is to know about each and every one of them. We have lost pets to death and relocation. None of these are ideal, all were hard to manage. Although I must admit, some were easier than others to say good-bye to.
Recently, as many are aware, we laid to rest our last dog. He was born in Sept of 2000. We were camping when I saw him just after his birth. I knew I wanted him. Doug reluctantly agreed. We kept in touch with the people who had the dog, and when Snickers was old enough I went and picked him up. The rest they say is history. Much like any living being, he had his own personality. Some people liked him, while others didn’t. He was not real good with kids or new people. I knew I could never part with him, no matter what happened. I won’t bore you with all the details, but he had his challenges.
I have never actually gone to the vet to put down an animal. However, the time had come as it was best for Snickers. The Vet was fantastic! I held Snickers as he took his last breath. I believe he knew he was loved, and in some ways thankful for the end. He was in a lot of pain and if I’m correct with my math, he was 98 in human years. Okay if you know me, you know math is not my strong suit so you can double check that.
In many ways this was the most difficult one to say good bye too. I am entering a new phase in my life. My children have never had a home without a fury creature in it. I think I had a hard time with it too, as this officially ends our young family. My family has now all become adults.
We have started another new chapter. Will we get another dog? I think we will, but it will be awhile. Doug will complete seminary in May, and there is still a move in our future. It wouldn’t be right or fair to try and move a dog into this mess. Least I mention, the seminary may allow you to come in with your pet, but not replace it. Once we are settled, where ever that maybe, we will most likely adopt a dog. Of course there is always a possibility a parishioner could present us with one too. No matter how we obtain the dog, I suspect the good-byes will not get any easier or be any different.
However, I am honored and feel privileged that GOD has given me the opportunity to be a good steward over the animals. I liked to think, and will continue to believe, that I will be reunited with all my pets one day.
Proverbs 12:10-The Voice (VOICE)
10 Those that are righteous treat their animals humanely, but the compassion of the wicked is really inhumane.