“Until one has loved an animal,  a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”  Anatole France

I remember once being told that when you buy a dog you are buying a heartbreak.  I never really understood that saying until of course I got my dog Courtney.  From the time she was just a little puppy my heart has become attached to hers. 

She has been with me these last 10 years and has seen many changes in my life and no matter what I always knew that when I came home she would be there to love me and greet me.

Most of my friends have some sort of an animal that they love, or at least have had pets in the past that they formed a bond with.  Growing up as a child I had a small black poodle named Sam that I adored.  As I am dealing with health issues of my Courtney my heart knows that some day I will have to say good-bye to her, the thought of it terrifies me.  I have seen my friends lose their “fur children” and I have cried with them, but when the day comes for me to say good-bye I know that a piece of me will go with her. 

Dealing with her sudden blindness has been difficult, probably harder for me than for her.  Seeing her bump into things and get disoriented is painful to watch.  Calling to her and seeing her face in my direction, but looking blankly ahead breaks my heart.  She seems to be now having some form of kidney issues which some researchers say may be linked to SARD’s.  But all in all, if I can give her just a part of the joy and love that she has given to me these 10 years, I will be right here by her side.

Today in your writing think about the above quote and write your thoughts on it.  How have pets added to your life?  Think about some of your pets you have had growing up and share these remembrances in your journal.