If you haven’t lived in a household with a pet whether a cat, dog, hamster, bunny, hermit crab etc., I’m sorry. You have missed out on a piece of childhood that I will always be grateful for. For some, their first pet was there before they were born, technically more like an older sibling. Maybe your first pet was one that you went as a family to adopt and picked out yourself. This was probably an unforgettable day of excitement as if nothing else in the world mattered except your new best friend. Pet; victim of doll-dress up clothes, being pushed around in strollers, guest of honor at tea parties and the baby of the family when you played “house.” A companion for the family as well as your friends and neighbors, they always subjected to go along with whatever you wanted.

As you got older, your pet from childhood still remained. When you would come home from school crying after a difficult day, a rough sports practice, or on days when you were sick in bed, they would be there to listen to you even if they didn’t have a choice. A cat to cuddle with, dog to run around the yard or take for a walk, they were something to bring you back years, and always put a smile on your face.

As you started spending less time around the house and more time going out with friends, the mall, movie theater, the beach and elsewhere, your pet was still there to come home to. There have even been times where spending quality time on the couch with your pet is more enjoyable than time with any of your human friends. The car ride home from family vacations had you jumping out of your seat belt at the thought of being reunited with your furry friend.

As years pass by, you get so used to coming home everyday and having your pet there. There hasn’t been a day you can remember without their presence in the house. This pet has probably taught you many things. You have gained some form of responsibility cleaning their cage or taking them for a walk and how to love something even if they can’t verbally tell you they love you back. This being said, you have also received love not through words but actions. You have become their whole world, their source of happiness and them yours.

The toughest loss was my 18 year old cat, who was a part of my family before I was. Watching this cat that I had grown up with slowly deteriorate and age to the point where walking, hearing and seeing became difficult for her was

heart breaking. Even more heart breaking was coming to the conclusion as a family that it was time to let go and end her suffering. Feeling her last breath and watching the life slip from her body evoked feelings I didn’t understand until I lost her. The car ride home with my life-less best friend, my first childhood pet was unforgettable. Losing a pet isn’t something that subsides within a week, it is a void in the family that cannot be replaced. I am forever thankful for my first cat Maiden for helping shape me into the animal lover I am and giving my family amounts of love that we continue to miss.