When human emotion and pets combine

Today we had a scare; One of our pets required a trip to the vet. It turned out to be a minor issue but the experience worried us both. We have lost pets in the past and it's such an agonising time.

It made me think about the love people invest into their pets. I mean we get a new pet, a cat or dog for instance, and name it, spend time training it and gain its trust, we spend exorbitant amounts of money at the vet looking after it, and of course spoil it with pet toys etc. All of this knowing that we will outlive it and will be devastated when it dies.

My first pet was a rabbit. I called him twitcher. I must have been about 6 years old. Naturally I invested everything I had into this little rabbit and was completely broken up when he died. I can still remember how upset I was. I'd done everything right, had cared for him and he left me. No good-byes, nothing.

Fast forward about 38 years...My wife and I lost (in tragic circumstances) a much-loved pet cat (Dixie) which I had given her as a gift. My wife was distraught, a complete mess, and I wasn't much better off I guess. We are childless unfortunately and our pets are like our children; The loss of one leaves a significant hole in our lives. No different to most people and their pets I suppose.

Today we had a good result, our little Cleo came home with the all-clear. She got back inside and ran straight over to our other cat Merlin, her best mate. They are inseparable. Right now she's curled up at my feet without a care in the world. (Merlin on the left, Cleo on the right)

Today, with Cleo having to go to the vet, it made me think about the loss of our other pets. I think for me the worst part is the fact I can't tell them how I feel. With a person one can talk to them and convey words of love. With a pet they don't understand. My wife told me that they know however. She says that they understand human emotions through different means. It makes sense I guess. The bond between human and animal is amazing and one doesn't need to look too far to see that.

Anyway, time to go and play with my cats. :)

Thanks for reading.