Monday, August 8, 2011

I Really, Really Love My Pets and Am Not Ashamed to Admit It


I picked up my cat’s ashes last Friday. As I waited to pay, all the "kids" at the front desk kept eyeballing me, eyeballing the box of ashes on the counter, eyeballing me. I think they expected to witness a meltdown. I’m a veteran though. I’ve been through the drill before, which isn’t to say, I didn’t sob about it earlier in the week or won’t sob about it again. I miss the daily presence of my cat in my home. He was part of our family for over 14 years. I still miss Ruby, the Black Lab we lost over three years ago.  
I don’t judge people for making the choice to not have pets. Just as I don’t judge people for making the choice to not have children. That being said, I know I’ve been judged for loving and grieving the loss of my pets. I know I’ve been viewed as The Crazy Cat or The Crazy Dog Lady. I spent hundreds on medical care related to our cat, Ben. (I spent thousands, yes thousands, trying to save our Ruby.) I don’t have children, so I can’t say what I would or wouldn’t do to save a pet if I did. 
Then again, should love have a hierarchy? 
I don’t think so. And I’m glad I’ve reached the point where I don’t give a shit if people think I'm The Crazy Cat or The Crazy Dog Lady. I refuse to feel bad about giving my heart to anyone: feline, canine or human. Nobody is going to convince me the price tag I put on love is too high. 

RIP, Ben. (I don't know why "they" put your name in quotes.) 


3 comments:

  1. You are definitely NOT a crazy cat lady :)
    Sorry for you loss :(

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  2. Im really sorry for you loss... both of you.
    I know what it means to love a canine for many years. Luna and me are on year 14... Again my condolences. Why did they put him in quotes?

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  3. Heasleys...my heart goes out to the both of you. I know losing Ben and before that Ruby has been really tough. Our pets give us such unconditional love and so much comfort just when we need it the most...so I understand the emptiness this has left in your heart and your home. Much love -The Eckleys

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