During the Thanksgiving weekend, I was away at my father's house with my brother and his wife. Whenever I go up to his house, the cat usually hang out with me quite a bit. I think he likes that I am awake at night and will sneak him a treat. Sometimes he bites my ankles, but he's usually pretty happy to see me. This time, he was pretty much out of sight during the stay. The reason, my brother's dog Roman.
Roman is a rather large standard poodle. A very friendly animal who likes to be played with. Saturday morning I awoke to him licking my face. He actually was sitting staring at me and when I opened my eyes, he lunged in. Being someone who lives alone, I really appreciated his exuberance. It's tough sometimes to always wake up alone. I know when I was seeing someone, my favorite part of the relationship was that very moment. That moment my eyes opened up and there she was. I would savor that moment. It's what kept me going when things were tough.
I realized that morning, that we all need that. No matter how callous or sour we get, we all need love. We all need that person or thing that makes us remember we're loved. Having a pet reminds us every day that we are needed. Many times, their affection is simply a plea to be fed or to be scratched, but it's our ability to fulfill their needs that brings us happiness.
I don't know if I want a pet. My apartment is very small and I feel that is unfair to any animal to be cooped up in some sort of domestic prison. I do know that my life would be infinitely better if I had someone or thing that needed me. One who counted on my presence for their survival. We all adapt and overcome situations that cause us grief or stress, but it's always easier to do when you know you have someone who counts on you. Amazing how something as simple as a dog licking your face can make you realize how important it is to be loved and to love back.
Roman is a rather large standard poodle. A very friendly animal who likes to be played with. Saturday morning I awoke to him licking my face. He actually was sitting staring at me and when I opened my eyes, he lunged in. Being someone who lives alone, I really appreciated his exuberance. It's tough sometimes to always wake up alone. I know when I was seeing someone, my favorite part of the relationship was that very moment. That moment my eyes opened up and there she was. I would savor that moment. It's what kept me going when things were tough.
I realized that morning, that we all need that. No matter how callous or sour we get, we all need love. We all need that person or thing that makes us remember we're loved. Having a pet reminds us every day that we are needed. Many times, their affection is simply a plea to be fed or to be scratched, but it's our ability to fulfill their needs that brings us happiness.
I don't know if I want a pet. My apartment is very small and I feel that is unfair to any animal to be cooped up in some sort of domestic prison. I do know that my life would be infinitely better if I had someone or thing that needed me. One who counted on my presence for their survival. We all adapt and overcome situations that cause us grief or stress, but it's always easier to do when you know you have someone who counts on you. Amazing how something as simple as a dog licking your face can make you realize how important it is to be loved and to love back.
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