You probably have had a family pet. Whether they are still with you or have passed; they made your childhood more memorable.
The reason losing a family pet is so hard is because pets become a part of you. They make you smile, angry, and happy, just as much as any other person would. The difference is, an animal always forgives and puts their love for you first.
This past week, I lost my dog of 14 years. I got him on my sixth birthday. I will never forget that moment when we went to pick him up. I was one of the first people to bond with him, and let me tell you, it was perfect.
I knew he was the dog for my family and me the second he came wobbling over to sniff, lick, and get some pets from a rowdy little blonde-haired girl. He was one of my best friends, and always will be.
Animals are God's gift to us. They are cute little creatures that will always be your friend. With that being said, it's hard knowing that when I get home from school, my best friend won't be there anymore, excited to see me.
One remarkable thing about a family pet is what incredible memories they give you. Here are a lot of great things we can thank our family pets for.
When they pee or poop in the house
You know from the moment you walk in, something is wrong. Your animal has suddenly disappeared from their usual, "I'm happy you're home" kisses.
Even though they made a mess, they always confess, and you can tell that if they could say sorry, they would. It makes it so much easier. Especially when they're cute.
In the worst of moments, you will always remember the light and happiness your animals brought into your life. That's a thank you no one thought they could say.
They know when you are sad
If there is anything I could thank my dog for, it would be for always letting me hug him and cry on him. He always knew how to cheer me up. He was there for me through almost every bad thing that happened in my life. I couldn't thank him more for his presence.
Maybe that's why it's so hard to have to say goodbye to our family pets; they shared so many monumental moments. It's hard to think that they won't be there to share our moments, especially our sad ones.
Protecting us is their life's calling
I know every animal who loves their owners will protect them at all costs. That is why they are such excellent companions.
I remember one day when I was in high school, it was just my dog and me hanging out at home. Nothing too strange or unusual that day, other than my dad warning me not to open the door because weird guys in a white van had been lurking around. So of course, I listened, but I didn't think too much of it.
I was just sitting on the couch watching T.V. while Patches was chilling in his bed. All of a sudden, I hear loud banging noises on my front door. It made me fall off the couch it scared me so badly. It also scared Patches, so he ran to the door barking up a storm.
His bark, though, wasn't a normal one; it was tremendously loud, and he was clawing and jumping at the door, which he had never done before. I looked to see who it was, and I noticed a white van and two guys, one who had fallen because my dog scared him. At this moment in time, they were still banging on the door and trying to break into my house. They were kicking at the door and vigorously moving the door handle.
I ran to the kitchen and called my parents, who didn't answer because they had left their phones at home. I was so scared, and I just kept remembering what my dad had said about these men. At this point, I realized that Patches had moved to the living room window, which faces out to our driveway.
He had, surprisingly, scared the guys away. He came running back to me to make sure I was okay. His tail was wagging, and I don't think he had ever let me hold him as long as he did that day.
I honestly believe that if I had not had him there with me, things would have been different.
They were the ones who "actually" taught us about love
Animals are hard work! Sure, we had it easy because our parents helped out a little more than we would like to admit, but taking care of our pets taught us a lot. Our animal showed us that love takes work and commitment. It takes having to feed and clean up after someone.
They showed us how to be responsible for someone other than ourselves. They taught us how unconditional love works. They showed us that love is work, but it is rewarding.
Our family pets were our first loves, and always will be.
Thank you to the doggy who stuck it out with me for 14 years. I love you Patches, and I hope doggy heaven is treating you well. Hopefully filled with lots of running! I'll forever miss you, my Old Man.
