The Ache Lingers

  It seems that animals can become family members just like people. They grow in our hearts and we treat them with kid gloves.  This is all well and good.  Our pets return the love and help us to live long and happy lives.  Ms. Ez was that sort of animal.  She came here as a wee pup that was rescued from certain death by my daughter.  Through the years, that tiny tot grew into a huge, rambunctious dog!  But our love for her grew as well.

  As the kids grew up and left to go on their merry ways, Ms. Ez and I soon became inseparable.  We did most everything together and had a mutual respect for each other.  I tended her every whim by cooking special meals to go with her usual dogfood, taking her for hikes and even letting her sleep near my bed.  She returned the favors by guarding the Little Bayou House, giving comfort and being the best fishing partner anyone could have. 

  After ten years of this companionship, it broke my heart when she found something that did not agree with her system. My dear friend had been poisoned and there was naught that I could do to mend this.  After visits to the vet and to the animal hospital, they decided to just "make her comfortable".  It was hard.  During those last three days, I comforted her.  I slept on her bed beside her.  I held her close and dutifully dosed her with medicines that were hopefully helping her not be in much pain. I told her how much she meant to the family and to me. Then on the third night, Ms. Ez left us. That night was one of the hardest things that I ever had to do.  Son and I stroked her fur, murmured soft words and loved her.  Needless to say, I miss her.  

Ms. Ez shares her bed with Sunny, the pup.

  When folks try to pawn their unwanted dogs off on me "now that you do not have Ezzy", I almost get angry.  I do not want to replace Ms. Ez. She meant too much.  I feel that if they cared for their pets as much as I cared for Ez, they would not be trying to give them away.  Obviously, the bond is not there and they look at the dog as merely another obligation. It should not be that way at all.  Don't get a pet if you are not willing to keep it for the long haul. A cute little puppy soon grows into an adult and has adult needs.  Later, they age just as we do and need a different type of care but they are not "throwaway pets".  The thought some folks have of only wanting a pet when it is "fun" makes me wonder how they are going to feel if no one is there to take care of them when they are elderly. Will anyone care or will it be easier to "find a home" for them?  Hmmm, something to think about there, folks.  Think long and hard about what you are teaching your kids and grandkids.  The way you treat furry family members is being observed and may determine how you, yourself, are treated later in life.

  Will I ever change and decide to get another dog?  I do not know but, perhaps in time if I find a friend in need, I may be able to feel differently.  In the meantime, however, Darling Daughter did offer to let her pup come "Mom Sit" occasionally.  That would work for me.  (Sunny stayed with us for quite a while as a puppy before Elizabeth and Robbie could give her the forever home that she deserved.)  I grew to love her along with Ms. Ez.  It might be fun to have her back on the Bayou once again....for a little while.