Relationships with pets have been placed into various categories by sociologists who have completed recent studies. Naturally they’ve named each category but a quick summary is:
1) those who view them similar to a tool, a means to an end (ie. hunting, pest control, work/chore pet)
2) those who elevate them to a plane similar to friends or other human companions
3) those who put them up there as near deity (ie. vegans).
I’ve learned a lot from my pets through the years. How to be a friend, unconditional loyalty, never-ending energy, forgiveness, relaxation, hope, loss, sense of purpose, fear and pain.
I lost two of my friends five years ago today; in fact nearly to the hour. I didn’t lose them, I watched life leave them as we raced to the ER after they were both victims to automobiles. I bear responsibility as it was mere weeks before the finalization of my divorce. Something that’s virtually never talked about; as if not talking about it makes it go away. Independence Day weekend, fireworks all around and we’re so concerned about our messy business as if some things couldn’t wait. As if the only thing was reaching the termination of our relationship. Constantly charged with emotions, few of them positive, many things were overlooked: other relationships, family and work responsibilities, household duties. Top-notch pet care. Just blindly and often selfishly moving forward.
Too weak to face the responsibility of final details with the ER clinic I sat in the car a complete mess; blood on my hands, arms and shorts. Holding a jacket that had been used to carry their lifeless bodies into the clinic. Unsure at that very moment if I was more distraught over losing my two pets–friends– or my wife; my best friend. Incapable of mustering more than abbreviated conversation the rest of the night I buried my head into a pillow and let out weeks and months of built-up emotion. Numb for days I was convinced it was penance for something, maybe lots of somethings.
Five pets, five friends, in five years. I’ve also learned from them that in the end you’ll recall all the fun, the excitement and chases. But mostly you’ll settle into the calm time spent simply enjoying each others company and know you were able to get through whatever was thrown your way. It’s the second year I’ve not physically been to the spot I lost my two friends. It doesn’t mean I care about them any less; simply that I’ve moved forward with other fun, excitement and chases.
Viewing my pets toward the higher end is probably where I land. I miss Roxy and Eddy terribly, that’ll always remain, and thank them for what I learned about me from them.
AniMal