Pet Pain

Pets are a unique part of the family. I have always had some sort or pet. I have had dogs, rabbits, cats and grasshoppers. Even from an early age I had a hard time dealing with the loss of a pet. I am at the stage of my life where I have lost my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and best friends. I haven't lost a sibling nor a child yet. Those losses would seem to be especially hard hitting. But even those I think are incomparable to the loss of a beloved pet. I have spoken with many people on this topic and most agree the hurt is indeed deep. A hurt that doesn't subside with time. The mere mention or thought of a pet lost is cause for a tear to be shed. Kids stay close to their parents side for a few years and gain their independence as well they should. Pets stay by our side all the time they are in our care. Many have relationships with their pets far longer than their marriages and much happier ones too. Could it be the unconditional devotion a pet brings to an owner? Is it that never a discouraging word is heard from a pet? Is it the meow from a cat or the guttural moan from a dog that gives the owner the sense that all they have done to make their pet's life as safe and comfortable it could be is somehow really appreciated. I have grieved for friends and relatives and time has lessened the hurt. Time has never eased for me the pain of losing the pet I loved. In "Of mice and men" there is the line that a man should always be the one to put down their own dog. A task that no one looks forward to but one that gives us the opportunity we rarely get in life. The chance to say good bye at the final moment and be with the pet or person you loved.