Welcome to the first entry of my new blog for Pet Allies Network! I will be writing about the relationships between animals and their humans.
Animals bring so much to our lives that it is impossible for many of us to imagine life without them, as I was reminded recently following the death of my sister. An animal lover herself, she would have been pleased to know how much comfort my two cats and two dogs provided me when I needed it most.
In the weeks ahead, you will meet Jenny and her rabbit, Max. Jenny is severely allergic to cats and dogs but peacefully cohabits with Max and a Cockatiel named Milly. Then there is Nancy, whose Livermore ranch is home to ten dogs, three chickens, and two horses - Raji and Sara. Nancy’s love of horses dates back to childhood and her relationship with Raji is uniquely special.
Norm fell in love with big dogs, especially German Shepherds, during his stint in Vietnam as a dog handler. His dog Missy saved his life on a daily basis as they trekked through the dense jungle searching for land mines and booby traps. He has had four dogs in the intervening 40 years and each has occupied a special place in his heart long after their time together ended. Particularly his first dog, Layla.
Why so much emphasis on humans, you might wonder? Consider Cindy, whose parents adopted a cat to help the shy third grader adjust to a new school and overcome reading difficulties. Cindy not only gained a new friend and added confidence but developed a lifelong love of cats. Her story very much reminded me of my childhood Poodle, Misty, who was equal parts friend and sibling.
When looking for stories to include in this blog, I had no problem finding people eager to share examples of the many ways animals had made a difference in their lives. I know that my own life would be greatly diminished without the cats and dogs I’ve lived with since childhood. For those of us whose love of animals is as nurturing to our soul as a nutritious meal is to our health, life without animals is unthinkable. Animals are not our burden, but our blessing.
I look forward to your company - and theirs - in the weeks ahead!
by Elizabeth Sundstrom
