I
know about the feeling of unconditional love, companionship and joy received
from a pet dog or cat, but what about people who love their snake, fish, bird
or rodent? Their love for their pet is no less than my love for my dog Prissy,
or my friend Debbie’s love for her cat Max.
What
is it that brings out the devotion we have for our pet? It may come from
knowing they are dependent on us. We feel needed. I find owning a dog gives me
a sense of responsibility. It puts order and stability into my life.
Or
maybe our feelings of kinship with our pet harkens back to our primitive
ancestors who shared the planet with the animal kingdom on an equal basis, each
respecting the other in their place in the world.
The
Native Americans paid homage to the buffalo for allowing itself to be killed.
Before slaughtering the animal, they gave thanks to the buffalo spirit for
providing food, clothing, shelter, weapons and adornment. They wasted nothing.
Two
or three times a week, I took my dog Prissy to the dog park. She ran and played
with other dogs while I sat on one of the benches and talk with other dog
owners. It reminds me of the times when as a young mother I sat on park benches
conversing with other mothers, and watched my children play. It’s a deja vue
experience.
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