Stages of Life

There was a period of time after college when it seemed everyone I knew I was getting married. Hardly a weekend would go by all summer without a wedding some where or other. One by one all of my friends paired off.

After marriage, the next stop on the committment train for many of us was getting a pet. We mistakenly thought that having a pet would be some sort stepping stone or training course for having a baby. In my case, I had a puppy of my own already when I met my husband. We treated him like the child we didn't have. He slept on the bed, came with us everywhere we went, got cuddles and treats, and was bathed twice a month. My dog has been with me virtually every day of his life. He has come to work with me, gone on vacation with me, and knows all of my friends and my secrets.

Then came the baby boom. All of the married folks (and some unmarried folks) started to have kids, including us. Our dog knew something was up and he wasn't sure he liked it. When the baby came, he got kicked off the bed. Since the baby was on the couch, he could no longer go up there. He's lucky to get 2 baths a year. We are still together every day, but it isn't the same. We walk the kids to school together. He's under my feet right now. But my priorities and responsibilities shifted after my kids were born.

This week I have learned about the next stage in life. It is the death of our beloved pets stage. I have had my dog since puppihood and he is now going on 11 years old and is no longer able to get up or down the stairs. It's the most tragic, heartwrenching experience. He is the first pet I ever had as "an adult" and I've been with him longer than I've been with my husband, or certainly my children.

Today I learned about Laura Ramsey having to put down a cat she's had in her life for 15 years and about Rich Teer's famous dog (child) Judge also being ill. It's the end of an era. My dog isn't going yet (I hope), but I feel the hole that his lose will leave in my life and I feel for all of those going through this stage in their lives. It is no less important or impactful or painful than any of the other stages we go through. Hugs out to Laura and Rich.

Posted at 01:21PM May 25, 2006 by sarad in General  |  Comments[3]