Life Lessons 101

Life Lessons 101

I was clueless. Completely. No idea. Not even an inkling. I’m still flabbergasted. And it’s been 9 months.

What am I talking about? If you’ve experienced it, you know. If you haven’t, but own a pet you love with all your heart, you will.
I’m talking about the grief, the sorrow, the heartache that you feel in the pit of your stomach when your pet dies. Oh, it gets easier as the days and months go by, but it also hangs around like a fog that just won’t lift, a chronic headache that aspirin only dulls.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, enrich our lives in ways no other living creatures can. They understand us, communicate with us, enjoy and seek our company, show physical affection, desire our approval, sleep with us and share our meals. They truly become family members, often the most enjoyable to be around! And unlike their masters, unconditional love is what they’re all about. Just a little affection from us goes a long way with our furry friends.

They teach us valuable lessons if we’ll pay attention. Lessons about unconditional love, the need for interdependence, service to others, responsibility, selflessness, forgiveness, joy, spontaneity, humor, flexibility, gratitude, living one day at a time and I’m just scratching the surface.

Pet ownership is not always a bed or roses, I know, especially when they get sick or hurt requiring medical care which can be expensive. They may need life long treatment for a medical condition or disease or require a special diet. But they don’t ever seem to complain. They take it in stride. They don’t make everyone else around them miserable. When these situations occur, most pet owners are more than willing to bear the added expense and inconvenience because their love runs deep for these beloved companions.

Studies have shown the physical and psychological benefits of pet ownership especially for elderly individuals living alone or in nursing homes. Pet ownership enhances the quality and longevity of their lives.

Let’s face it; our pets just plain make us smile. And so do their memories and that’s always a good thing!

My warmest regards,

Gina