Unconditional love on display in pets

This week, it just felt it was right to expound our normal discussion on family to include a very special group. To some, the thought of spotlighting this chosen group defies logic but to others, to all those willing to truly consider the groups impact on us throughout life, the thought of bringing our feelings to the surface is welcome and, in some cases, overdue. In saying this, the events of the past couple of weeks in my household and our recent loss of one of our beloved pets, Isie, caused me to truly think about the impact the family pet has on our homes and all those who live within it. Regardless of whether it’s a fuzzy little puppy, adventurous kitten, slithering reptile, or feathery fowl, many of us have had our lives impacted by the friendships we build with our pets.

As a young child, the inclusion of the family pet was not abnormal. For our family, the bond between child and pet primarily focused on dogs. Although mom loved cats, her allergies and those of my sister wouldn’t allow us to experience the household cat so to my joy, another form of four-legged excitement became the norm. Growing up we had several dogs, all unique in their own special ways. Whether it was the miniature terrier-poodle mix, Tiny Two, the fuzzy sheepdog, or my prized Golden German shepherd Baron, I found unconditional love and companionship. My furry friends provided a place to lay my head, a shoulder to cry on, and a set of ears to listen to all my problems, all while looking intently and simply said, loving me regardless. They stood between mom and I when I was about to receive my just reward for misbehaving, taking the brunt of her frustration upon themselves. Looking back, I still chuckle as I rewind that moment in my mind.

As I grew, becoming a man, dogs always played a pivotal role throughout my life. Just like when I was a child, the one thing I could always depend upon was their presence. Regardless of the how my day went, whether good or bad, it really didn’t matter. If I was feeling sick or on top of the world, depressed, or just fine, when I opened the front door my pet would be waiting for me with a smile and joy in their hearts. For little did I know that I was the center of their life just like they were to me.

Always there to share the joys of promotions, relationships, births and holidays, my pets never once let me down. Sure, there were rough moments, just like we all have with our pets. But in the end, the matter remained that these furry little creatures truly must be placed in our paths by God to lesson the burdens felt and to provide a snout on the shoulder when times just seemed too much to bear. I’ve learned that these creatures, considered dumb by most, truly are much more intelligent than most give them credit for.

I make this assertion simply through experience. Regardless of if it is the puppy who gets excited when it senses you are near, or the cat that decides it’s time to rub against you, the timing seems perfect. Picking their humans, our pets may bond more with one family member but readily display love and adoration to all, many times showing a willingness to lay down their own lives to further the life of family members. As I earlier stated my family lost one of our key family members this week. Isie, was a special girl. Choosing her momma as her human she never neglected showing each member of the family love. Although a momma’s girl, she wrestled and smiled with the best of them while maintaining her proverbial classiness around her momma. This deep devotion was evident even up to the end.

As her strength drew less, it was apparent that she would only be with us for a time. In my mind, Isie fully understood this and did her best to lessen the impact on momma, her beloved human. This was seen by me on at least two occasions this week. Understanding that her momma was hurting, Isie held out, in my opinion, until her momma reluctantly left to carry out some required business before she said her final goodbye. I have no doubt this fragile little girl felt her momma would be better off not seeing it and held out accordingly, trusting daddy to prepare momma and make her look presentable when her mom arrived. Oh, what an awesome, loving, cuddly, little girl she was and is.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from nine to 29.