I adopted this splendid fluffy black kitten who I named Sunshine. Odd, I know, for a black cat. But that’s exactly what he was — a ray of beautiful sunshine in my life. At the time I was suffering from clinical depression along with PTSD following a a car accident, and Sunshine was my way back home. — For me and my family. His tireless kitty playing entertained us, made us smile and laugh, during the most dire of circumstances. Sunshine soon became Lord of the manner. He ruled the roost, including over the two dogs. But Sunshine’s love was steadfast and never wavered.
He loved my father to bits, so basically my special cat became my dad’s special cat. No hard feelings there. They looked after each other and were attached at the hip. Siesta time? Sunshine would follow (and get under the covers!). Golf time? Sunshine would follow. He was always there. He just wanted to be around us, participating in mundane things. It was what he enjoyed. He became my dad’s loyalest of companions. Even more so than the dogs.
So why do I still mourn him three years later? Because he saved my life. Back then, when he was just this helpless little kitten, he literally came to my rescue and brought me back.
As usually expected, he started feeling poorly 12 years later. After quite a hefty sum spent on vets, as any loving fur-parent would do, he was diagnosed with a fatal incurable illness. I tried to save his life just as he had saved mine. But in the end there was nothing to be done. Sunshine left us.
Yes, I still mourn him for the cat that he was, and for the relief and love he gave me so that I could become the person I am now. I bounced back into recovery.
But here’s the main crux of the matter: no matter how much I still feel his loss, I wouldn’t have traded any moment for anything. Some may not understand the reciprocal love involved in having a pet. Some even say, after a pet dies “That’s it — no more pets for me”. I can understand that pain, but above all, and more so, I know and can feel the love they give us — for which they ask nothing in return.
In fact, I mourn the few cats dear to my heart who have passed. Why? Because each an every one has left an indelible impression on who I am. The love we feel never dissipates and the love they’ve left us with won’t either.
That is what having a pet is about! Love! Loving and being loved back. Period.
And as always, this too shall pass.
Such beautiful sentiment. Each pet brings with them their own personality, their way of giving affection, and their own unique ornery nature. However, we all seem to have that one that take us to levels of love and respect that seemly ends up being a once in a lifetime relationship, unmatched, and that’s ok.