Dogs, fine friends they are

A friend recently had to decide if it was time for her beloved dog to be put down. After thinking long and hard about the pain and suffering it recently started experiencing, and the quick increase in suffering, she decided it was indeed more humane to let her furry companion go. When I heard the news my heart fluttered.

In contrast, my grandmother is keeping her dog long past his expiration date. He is over 16, lost vision, is mostly deaf, and hasn't had bladder control in years. While I do suspect she is operating in self interest, it makes sense.  She's 91, lives alone, and still, for the most part, cares for him as best she can. Aside from blind, deafness and bladder issues, he does still get around and he knows his surroundings, so if he goes outside he still gets himself back inside. The thought of letting him go always brings her to tears. I'm not sure how she will take it if he passes naturally at the house, but I suspect that is his destiny.

Both situations are sad, no doubt. Loss of a pet is the loss of a true friend. This is the one that slept with you, or beside your bed, got excited when you came home, and always wanted a little more attention so it could give you a little more unconditional love.

May my friend's buddy rest in peace.

Hard Times

I've been doing pretty well at keeping myself distracted over the last month or so.  Unfortunately the last couple of days have been harder to get through. Part of the reason was that yesterday would have been my mother's 64th birthday and it's been 21 years since we celebrated her last one. It's not the same gut wrenching grief as it was in the early years after she passed, but with my Dad having passed only a month ago, I just had a hard time staying happy. It was one of the days I wished time travel existed, even if I could only see things one more time.

That said, the dog had me distracted most of the time I've been home over the last few days. I swear it's her mission to drive the cats and me crazy!  She either follows me or them constantly. Her intrigue in the cats was semi cute at first. Then it was annoying because they fled under my bed to get away from her. Today has been a little better, both have dared to leave my room.  One hung out in the living room window and I saw the other eat and drink water. Both are on my bed with me now, as the dog paces around us vying for attention (I gave her a bunch of treats/rewards just a couple minutes ago, geez).

So having pets can help when dealing with the downers in life. Guess that was my lesson for the day.