We love our pets

We love our pets

Growing up, most of us had a pet: a dog, a cat, a bird, a fish, etc. The maintenance and well-being of our pets are often our first brush with social responsibility. It is hard to imagine someone learning cruelty or malice from the care of these well-loved creatures. These negative attributes of human nature are discovered at a later date.  

I also had a series of pets. Two stand out significantly as they changed my way of seeing life and the world. The first was my puppy, Tuffy. I got her when I was four or five years old. We lived in a small isolated village nestled in the verdant landscape of west-coast Canada. The entire outside was a playground – only the forest and ocean limiting my explorations. I went everywhere with her; she was my friend. We, figuratively, fought many dramatic battles and had numerous illustrious adventures.  

Then, on a particular day, I arrived home and my mother asked where Tuffy was. At first, I was perplexed by this question for it seemed nonsensical. She was with me, of course — but, she wasn’t. One of my many imaginary adventures was still playing out, but it hadn’t included her. She wasn’t with me, but where had she gone? After two hours of retracing my steps, I found her — the poor little being was wailing inconsolably. I felt horribly dishonest with her affections. I had abandoned her.  I have never forgotten someone I loved again.  

My other companion was a bantam rooster, (1) yes a chicken, by the name of Charlie. What distinguished him from a very early age was his ferocity. He never knew that he was small in stature. In time he, literally, fought his way to the top of the pecking order (2) in our flock of chickens by removing all the much larger rooters. Things should have remained as they were, Charlie being in control of the run. (3) But he wanted more. His expansionist vision soon cast an eye on my mother’s garden. This, however, was dominated by a very large black lab (4) by the name of Max. 

Once or twice he attacked the hound but was able to flee back to the safety of the coop. I counseled him to forgo his ambitions and reflect on what he was doing. This, unfortunately, was to no avail. One fateful day, Charlie caught Max napping and attacked. A great clash resulted. But, sadly, Charlie had overreached. He was dispatched, rather unceremoniously. It was a short and bitter end to a colorful life. His hubris had gotten the better of him. It was a warning duly noted by me.  

Our beloved animals will always inspire and teach us many valuable and indelible lessons. George Eliot (5) leaves us with a thought: Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.       

A closing thought:  Our pets are our link to the natural world. Most are kind and loving and respond well to tenderness. Invariably, a person who is cruel to his pet is vicious to people. A rancher once told me that cows like to be corralled on cold winter nights because they have more opportunities to talk to their friends. 

To sum up: This week, we spoke about our pets and how they teach and give us joy.   

To be noted: From Winston Churchill (6) — I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. 

Just for fun:  

For reflection:  

This week, on your introspective walk, please ponder the lessons learned from our pets. 

Every day look for something magical and beautiful. 

Don’t be a wage slave – critical thinking is great! 

Quote: Pets bring great humility and respect to our lives. 

Footnotes: 

1) Bantam Chickens: Breeds, Egg Laying, Size and Care Guide 

2) pecking order

3) Chicken Coop Size Calculator – How big a chicken coop do you need? 

4) Black Lab – A Complete Guide To The Black Labrador Retriever 

5) George Eliot

6) Winston Churchill – Britain’s Greatest Prime Minister Documentary 

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