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Mary's Moments Blog Post

Paw Prints on Our Hearts


National Pet Day was celebrated on April 11th. This day is set aside each year to appreciate and promote the love and companionship that pets bring to our lives. It's a time for pet owners to spoil their pets even more than usual and to raise awareness about the needs of pets waiting for homes in shelters. National Pet Day encourages people to consider adopting pets from shelters and rescues and to celebrate the joy that pets of all kinds bring to our lives.

 

As I write this, (many weeks later), I can’t help but think that every day should be Pet Day.  Because of the unconditional love and joy they share with us.   It's important to show them how much we care about them every single day.


When you think about family, you probably picture your parents, siblings, and maybe some cousins. But if you're like me, you can't forget the family members with whiskers and wagging tails – our pets. These animals aren’t just pets; they are part of the family. They share in our happiest days and comfort us when we’re down, becoming friends we couldn’t live without.  They share in our joys, sorrows, and life's mundane moments, becoming irreplaceable members of our family.


My first pet was a white persian cat named Fluffy that we adopted from a farm when I was 7 years old.  She was part of a large litter that was going to be put in a garbage bag and thrown into the pond to drown.  Back then, people on farms faced a big problem because cats had many kittens very quickly, and it became difficult to take care of them all. Sadly, they didn't have the resources or knowledge to handle this situation properly. Nor did they realize the value of this particular breed. As a result, some people made the heart-wrenching decision to put the extra kittens in garbage bags and drown them in ponds. This cruel practice reflects a time when options were limited, and understanding of animal welfare was much lower than it is today. Now, we have better ways to manage and care for animals, including spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litters.


I always wished that I could have saved them all however, we didn’t have the means and I was just a child at the time.   We were able to save Fluffy though that day.  She became more than just a pet over the years; she was with me throughout my entire childhood.  Her presence was a constant as I navigated through the various trials of adolesence and young adulthood. She was my confidant, a silent, comforting presence who never spoke back and always ready to listen.  She passed away when I was 19 and it felt like losing a best friend.  It was so profound at the time, marking the end of an era in my personal life story.


As time went on, my life changed, and so did my pets. After meeting my husband in the 1980’s, we adopted two black cats, Buddy and Rocky, from the Humane Society. At the time, there was a superstition around black cats that made them less desirable for adoption, but to us, they were perfect. Rocky was playful, always ready to leap and fetch a paper ball tossed down the hallway. Buddy, on the other hand, was the ultimate lap cat who loved to cuddle.


The passing of Buddy and Rocky was a reminder for me of how deeply these animals embed themselves into our lives. When our daughter pleaded for black kittens years later that she saw at the pet store, history repeated itself with Smudge and Sparkey. They filled our home with lots of energy and affection, continuing the legacy of our cherished fur babies for another 20 years.  We were lucky to have them so long.



Even though I really like cats, I was not fond of getting a dog. My daughter had wanted a dog very badly for a long time. I tried giving her a stuffed toy dog one year, but obviously it didn’t quite make the cut.  Dogs are great, but they need a lot of care and attention, which seemed overwhelming for me at the time. They need more from you and tie you down in ways that cats don't. We liked being able to leave the house whenever we wanted without worrying about dog walks and the extra attention that a dog requires.


Owning a cat can be just as enriching and heartwarming as having a dog. Cats offer a unique kind of companionship; they're often independent but can be incredibly affectionate on their own terms. Like dogs, they sense our moods and provide comfort when we're down. Watching a cat quietly purring on your lap can be just as therapeutic as a dog's enthusiastic greeting after a long day. Both pets bring a special kind of joy and companionship that isn't about one being better than the other, but rather about the different ways they enrich our lives. Whether it’s the loyal presence of a dog or the serene companionship of a cat, both create loving memories in our hearts.


When my daughter and her boyfriend (now husband) moved to Australia, her long awaited wish came true- they adopted a puppy - Ryker, a Rhodesian Ridgeback.  And when they decided to come back to Canada, Ryker, of course, came with them.  Picking them up from the airport and preparing our home for Ryker was an adventure. His first night with us, marked by a little accident on our bedroom floor, was a stark initiation into dog ownership. In all fairness, he had just travelled in a crate on a plane for over 24 hours and was a little disorientated and scared.  However, any reservations we may have had melted away fast as we fell in love with his kind and gentle spirit.


Before the joy of a grandchild filled our lives, we had this grandpuppy. This little bundle of fur brought so much laughter and warmth into our home. Watching him bounce around the yard (doing what we call the Ricardo), eagerly waiting at the door, or simply napping peacefully, is still a sweet memory.


9 years later, Ryker is still a regular in our home. He visits often, claiming his special spot in our living room. His good temperament is so welcomed given our busy household. His gentle presence with my neurodiverse daughter and young grandson has opened my eyes to the many joys a dog can bring.


Ryker is a gentle giant with a fierce loyalty to his family. When it's time for a walk, he's especially protective of the baby in the stroller. His big, watchful eyes carefully scan the surroundings, ensuring everything is safe. Despite his muscular physique, Ryker's movements are always tender and cautious, showcasing his deep bond and protective instincts. The family feels completely at ease having him as their guardian and a loving part of their family.


We truly are spoiled with Ryker – he is one of a kind.  At the moment, we get the best of both worlds between him and Boomer (my mom's cat).  We can love and enjoy them without the responsibilities.  Doesn’t get much better than that.


Looking back on all the pets we’ve had, it's clear they did more than just live with us. They were an integral part of our lives.  They taught us about love, trust, and how to cope with loss. They reminded us to be kind and patient and to enjoy the simple things in life, like relaxing on the couch or playing in the yard. When some left, they taught us about grief and how to keep going, holding onto the happy memories.


From Fluffy to Ryker, each pet has added something special to our lives. Whether it was the quiet comfort of snuggling up with a cat or the joyful energy of a dog, each one has helped shape our family and our lives in priceless ways.


Some people open their homes and hearts to other furry friends beyond dogs and cats. Rabbits, for example, are popular for their soft fur and gentle nature, hopping into the lap of their owner for a cuddle. Guinea pigs are another favorite, with their playful squeaks and love for cuddles, they can brighten up any day. Hamsters, with their tiny paws and curious eyes, are fun to watch as they scurry around and explore. Ferrets are also quite popular, known for their mischievous and playful behavior, they can keep their owners laughing and entertained for hours. Each of these animals, in their own unique way, brings joy and companionship to those who care for them.


I'd like to share a poem that my daughter recently shared with me:


You’re more than just a dog,

And so much more than just a pet

You became our family

From the moment that we met

 

And whatever happened, big or small

There is always you

I guess I never realized

Just how much you’d see me through

 

Growing into your paws

And a tail that never stopped

We’d laze about the lawn

With a ball you’d never drop

 

I hated to say goodbye for work

I’d leave you something to gnaw

Then come home to a confetti

Of toilet paper on the floor

 

But we made a pact, you and I

Though I hated to leave you alone

You loved me just for being

And I promised I’d always come home.

 

You saw us on our wedding day

And you grew fast like dogs do

And one day I fell pregnant

And somehow, you just knew

 

You always trailed behind me

Always close, never apart

And then I placed him close to you

As you met my beating heart

 

Your sniffing nose lay on his lap

A forever bond exchanged

And it saddens me a little to think

That this is where it changed

 

You saw me up all hours at night

Your eyes big with concern

The noises new, our moods had changed

And you too, had to learn

 

Then the courier would knock at nap time

And you’d bark, and I’d be in a rage

I called you “the dog” for the first time then

Which was maybe the hardest stage

 

You saw me in my baby blues

My worry and my doubt

You came with me on that first walk

When the sun came out

 

And we’d pound the pavements every day

Back to you and me

With baby décor all over the floor

And our little family.

 

And over the years we added more

Each baby you’d adore

It got so busy, that there were times

I forgot to pat you at the door

 

I’d grab the keys, sort the bags

And yell “have you got your shoes?”

And in a flurry the door clicked shut

I forgot to say goodbye to you

 

I know you’re getting older now

I’m seeing lots more greys

I’ll try to slow down a little bit

And Im sorry for those days

 

But I watch you with the kids in the yard

In the golden hour bliss

Racing around, tongue hanging out

It’s hard to imagine life before this

 

But you’ve been there from the beginning

Right from the very start

Always loving, and forgiving

My first baby, my first heart

 

I still remember those trembling legs

As you’d eat your food with joy

Your too big bowl, now with a chip

Each baby’s favorite toy

 

And every photo on my phone

There’s a tail, or blur of hair

Especially if the kids are eating

You’re in the frame somewhere

 

You’ve seen us through a lot

And some days have been rough

I know we have longer together

But it will never be enough

 

You’ve loved us all, no questions

And simply because I’m me

You’re not the family dog

But a dog that is family

by Jess Urlichs


Our story with our pets is not just about us and our animals. It's a bigger story about love and life, and all the silent lessons of caring and empathy that come from living with our furry family members. They're not just pets; they're teachers and friends, whose paw prints stay on our hearts forever.


They truly are the heartbeats at our feet, guiding us through life with their love and loyalty.❤️



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