From the time I get up in the morning, to the end of my day, their lives are happily entwined with my own. Even as I write this piece, the cat is rhythmically brushing against my legs, while the guinea pig is noisily munching away on her dinner.
A great many of my friends are devoted pet owners as well. We trade stories ranging from having to sit up at all night with a sick puppy to driving to three different grocery stores in an effort to find the “right” food. My “non-pet” friends just shake their heads and chuckle at such behavior. We pet owners take no offense. We know why we do what we do: we’re making life as pleasant as possible for our friends. Yes, friends. Like all good relationships, both sides cheerfully tolerate each other’s idiosyncrasies; we stand by one another in the good times and the bad; and we enjoy the pure and simple pleasure of just sharing time at the end of another long and busy day.
Pet ownership is a gift, a privilege and a responsibility. It enriches your life a hundred fold. Having a pet requires time and effort. In return, you are rewarded with joy and laughter, and eventually you must even face the sorrow of their passing. Yet, I wouldn’t have it any other way. . .for I can’t imagine life without Mindy and S’Mores.
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