Whether a feline is a healthy kitten or an elderly special needs pet that was rescued from the brink of death, these animals celebrate our existence each and every time that they come into contact with us. The evidence is evident! Whether a mistake is made by stepping on the cat that happens under our feet or if we forget to feed the cat on schedule, our furry friends seem to overlook these trespasses as mistakes. Almost immediately they tend to forgive us.
On the flipside, they display their love by brandishing purrs-a-million in our direction. They snuggle up to us and bat at us for attention. They see us out the door and lick us good night, snuggling up at our feet. If we happen to have a nightmare, they are right by our side to see that our slumber is no longer a struggle because we know that we have a friend by our side. When we return, we are met at the door with a small celebration each and every time.
So what happens when that love fades into oblivion; when the cat ages or disappears into the night never to be seen again? Our hearts break and we wonder if we will ever be the same again. This is especially true when the loss is unexpected; the cat is young or the loss was quick - like when there is an accident.
Grief is real and not to be easily dismissed. While non-animal lovers may appear callous when they suggest that cats are a dime-a-dozen and it would be cruel not to put down a cat that could possibly be suffering. For feline lovers, these animals mean the world to us; at times, they are our best friends. Even such prestigious individuals such as Pope Benedict XVI are cat lovers. Would people be insensitive about the loss of his cat – especially at a time like the present?
So one question still remains, why are people so heartless when it comes to animal loss? For many of us, animals, just like humans that we love, are irreplaceable. The pain continues long after the loss is suffered. Just when we think it is over, something reminds us of the evident loss that we have gone through.
In the end, it is our responsibility to embrace the love that was built with the animal and to ignore any outside negativity. Keep the good times in your heart and hopefully it will help sustain you in your times of need.
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