I often speak about how stressful it is to care for an
ailing pet; how difficult it is and how draining. But also that there is a
connection made that can’t be broken. Anyone who’s has a sick kitty knows how
deep this runs. But what happens when the kitties become the caretakers?
This has been a very difficult summer for me. My father
became very ill quickly and we almost lost him a couple of times. I’ve spent a
lot of my time going back and forth to the hospital and taking care of my
elderly mom as well. I wore myself out and my kitties knew it. They could tell
something was wrong and different and did all they could to show me how much
they love me.
There was no time or energy for playing. I came home and took naps, ate something, then went back out. I came back home, did my nightly rituals, tried to keep it together and went to bed. In between all of that I did laundry, dishes, housework, etc. etc. But something else happened that was wonderful. I got extra cuddles, extra kisses and extra love from my furry kids.
It was just what the doctor ordered as I was very
scared and stressed. Finnegan and Lacey love my mom and dad and oftentimes go
downstairs to their house with me to visit them. When they couldn’t go for
awhile they knew something was wrong. So they gave me extra meows of comfort,
they kneaded the bed longer and more often and they looked at me with eyes that
said “we’re here for you mom, whenever you need us”. I don’t know what I’d do
without my two nursemaids. But I’m so grateful for them.
They were so patient and understanding during this hard
time, as if they knew that I needed their love more than ever. And I got it. I’m
lucky to have such smart kitties, because for once I needed them more than they
needed me. And honestly when we think about why we have pets in the first
place, isn’t this the very reason? They are unconditional love and support
during good times and bad. And there’s nothing better in this world than when
your kitty kisses your tears away and purrs next to your heartbeat. That’s the
best medicine there is.
