Loving Your Pet is Hard When...

I had my book club last night, and my friends who hadn’t been here in a long while remembered when I had my dog, Sammy. They commented on the painting of him I have on the wall, and asked me why I didn’t yet have another dog. They missed him, and know how much I love animals.

I have thought about it probably once a week since Sammy died, which was about 3 years ago. Truth be told, I can’t even try and think how long it has been because Sammy was so important to me and his death devastated me in a way my parent’s deaths did not. That sounds harsh, but there is a truth there for me. He loved me so unconditionally, and I was the instrument of his death in a way I wasn’t for my parents. I had him “put down” because he was suffering and there was no way he would get better. But it was an act that I did, I drove him there, I made the appointment. And I live with his loss in a different way because of it.

What does Susan getting another dog have to do with downsizing? Well, you might have a dog or a cat that you worry about. My mother had a dog, a lovely German Shepherd that I needed to re-home when my mother moved into the hospital. It was painful and difficult to find a place for an older dog with, let’s face it, a few behaviour issues. But she found a home and lived out the rest of her life with an active family that cared very much for her.

If you struggle to feed your pet regularly, or walk him as often as he wants, I can certainly help you with that. I currently walk a neighbour’s dog five days a week for extra exercise. Border Collies need a lot of time and attention to stay fit and happy! Jade and I have a special relationship. Truth be told, it centres around a stick, but we both like the routine.

If it is time for you to find a new home for your pet, that is something I would be honoured to do with you. The right home is so important, knowing that your pet will be loved as much as you love her.

Regardless of what type of animal you have, if you need help, I would be so happy to assist. I miss my Sammy a little bit less when I am spending time with animals and helping other folk’s pets.