Dogs, Cats ‘n Other Pets… Have You Ever Had a Pet Who Was Your “Best Friend?”
My friend has a new pet … a 9-month-old puppy. She asked if we would puppy-sit “Ginger” for the weekend.
What a treat!
We went for a walk.
Ginger got quite excited as she chased the ball or ran after her toy.
She sat on our laps…or behind our heads… as she snuggled and relaxed.
We haven’t had a pet dog since the kids were in their late teens and early twenties. Max was the most amazing dog! We went on many long walks. He loved to ride in the truck…and the boat! I was on the shoreline of the Niagara River walking Max… and, somehow, he spotted the boat with my husband and the kids… in the middle of the river! The current is strong in this river… and it took all my efforts to convince Max to return to the shore with me!
We also credit Max for waking us up one night when the furnace was emitting carbon monoxide. My son and I both did not feel well… but when Max woke me, we realized something must be wrong and got everyone out of the house.
Maxwell enjoyed camping trips. He always sensed if things were different and stayed close to anyone who was not feeling well. Neighbors smiled when we walked by, and many saved treats for his visits.
Have You Ever Cried Over an Animal?
Max was almost 9 years old when his hips went. One day I came home from school at noon to let him out. Max sat down on the grass… and could not get up. He was 80 lbs. … too heavy for me to carry.
Imagine this scenario… I had to get back to school. The postman came by and, after discussing my dilemma, offered to carry Max into the house once he had completed his postal route. My neighbor said she would keep an eye on Max. I didn’t even think about it… I left the house open. Those were simpler times.
Eventually, we had to respect this wonderful dog and let him go.
This was My Tribute to Max:
ODE TO MAX We brought a puppy into our home. During the day he rollicked and played. At night he cried, 'til I slept by his side And spoke softly as I rubbed his paw. He was here to stay and loved right away He quickly entered our hearts. Max is the name the children gave To our puppy that grew so quick. He learned how to bark when he had to go out. How to bark when he wanted to walk. He was not ignored as he joined the games Of tennis and other such sports. He told us a story and expressed his requests In manners that could not be ignored. He protected our home from intruders... Such as postmen and squirrels uninvited. And there was one day when he saved Our family from carbon monoxide. He enjoyed the rides in the truck and the car Or sat peacefully down at our feet. He relished a boat ride, caught the waves As a mascot he'd seldom retreat. He ran on the beach and swam in the water His life was free and good. He walked, and we walked, The boulevard trail and around the neighboring schools. He enjoyed the time with Riley and Jake And good-naturedly ran to meet them. He became quite excited when Greg came home And told Steven and Susan to, "See him!" And then life changed, it was not the same He didn't bark or run, The postman came round, squirrels scampered abound Max was unable to bark! He didn't eat his favorite treats He laid there silent and still. He tried to walk. He toured the yard. He nuzzled close by our side. I rubbed his paw and spoke quietly We'd try to make everything right. But time went on and things went wrong Max cried and whimpered at night. And now he sleeps, his pain is gone... But for us it lingers on. Max, you were loved as part of our home Our family, our friend, and our hearts. We miss your sounds, your demands, and barks That guided us through our day. Goodbye Max. God bless Max. Thank you, Max, for the wonderful memories That you left with us. Be at peace. You are remembered with warmth, smiles and love. Chase lots of squirrels in dog heaven, I know you'll watch over us! We'll always love you, Max! Mom, Dad, Greg, Steven & Susan L. Fyke
If you want to learn more about pets … or spend time finding out more about your animal …. check out Animal Planet.
Learning About Animals and the Sounds They Make are great early pre-reading activities. Kids learn to Visually Discriminate as they Identify Animals, and use Auditory Processing Skills to remember the sounds each animal makes.
Have You Ever had to Make the Decision to, “Put Your Pet Down?’
THE LAST BATTLE If it should be that I grow frail and weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep, Then you must do what must be done For this, the last battle, can’t be won. You will be sad, I understand, Don’t let the grief then stay your hand, For this day more than all the rest Your love and friendship stand the test. We’ve had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears. You’d not want me to suffer so; When the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they’ll tend And stay with me, if you can, to the end. Hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time, you will see, It is a kindness you do for me. Although my tail its last was waved, From pain and suffering I’ve been saved. Don’t grieve that it should be you, Who must decide this thing to do, We’ve been so close, we two, these years; Don’t let your heart hold any tears. Smile, for we walked together for a little while. Author Unknown
If you have a moment, you are invited to share your pet experiences in the comments.
Do you have the most amazing pet? I thought our Max was special! I know someone who has an iguana.
Have you ever cried over an animal?
Do you have a poem or verse that you would like to share? We’d love to read it!
Enjoy each day!
Laurie
Have you seen Life’s Reflections as Young Children Grow?
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