Anita Opper – Zen to Zany via Cathy Ruggiero
I can’t imagine life without a dog or cat or fish, or several of all three.
Losing a pet is one of the very hardest things there is. You find yourself sobbing, guts hanging out for all to see. Fewer things in life hurt more.
Some people decide, after losing a beloved pet, that they just won’t get another. They don’t want to open themselves up to that kind of hurt again. You give to a pet unlimited love. You talk to them about everything because they’re so understanding and compassionate. You become co-dependent, feeling lost and alone when one of you isn’t there.
My husband and I have been lucky enough to have several pets over the years. Each time we lose one we’re devastated – inconsolable. For us, though, the only thing that helps us is to go right out and find another.
Even though we aren’t sure we really want to, if we’re lucky enough to find another sweet animal to come live with us, we’re FORCED to reach out to meet the sweet little thing’s needs. We CANNOT withdraw into ourselves. We must feed it. We must take it outside. We must make a home for it, with bed, water and food bowls, a collar, tags, shots, spaying or neutering – the whole 9 yards.
In the process of doing this, we have found that, although we don’t miss the beloved pet any less, the new wriggling furry bundle of joy has helped our hearts heal a bit. Our new addition has forced us to go on, reacting to each other as well as the fuzzy little animal, filling a void with someone who needs us.
Yes, “Dogs are Miracles with Paws.” Anita Opper has said it perfectly. I love the bright little eyes on this guy, running to us, hoping he’ll be accepted…
creativeartworksblog 