It is all too common for humans to take pets for granted, and why not? They are easy to come by be it a dog, a cat or whatever. Few homes across this wide land are without a something or other to stroke or hold precious.
This includes wild animals. Creatures, that deserve better than to be domesticated. This includes spiders, lizards and snakes. I once had a college professor who had a wide range of reptiles, some venomous, and an alligator as house pets. I never went there!All my family members are traditionalists. Our connection with pets has been limited to dogs and cats. As a kid my folks limited our involvement to cats. One at a time! That is all we could afford.By the time I was 11 we moved to West Hill and an environment very different from any we had known. It was basic country and our former neighbours believed we had lost our senses. Our home was a four-room "insulbrick" structure. There was no bathroom or running water, and paper was stuffed into the cracks to keep out the wind.But I did, finally, have dog and Lassie was the love of my life. My parents were away 12 hours or more almost every day. I knew loneliness. Lassie cured all that and gave me more than I could ever give in return.Sadly, when I reached maturity Lassie died. Later, a succession of pets followed but none, no matter how wonderful, could match Lassie. The clock continued to roll, years went by and death claimed them one by one.During this time I married, had children, a career and more pets. Usually cats in that they adapt to apartment life and demand little other than food and a clean liter bin.Events, relationships changed. Later, when we bought our current house, Muffy, a cockapoo, became our family focus. She was as lovable as a dog can be and I adored her. Then, she also, died. Devastated, I insisted we not replace her. It would just be too painful.My wife knew better. One day, out of the blue, she and Rachel, our daughter came home with Riley. What a bundle of odds and ends he seemed. An Alsatian pup that fell over himself and walked in the most peculiar way.Sadly we discovered his "cute walk" was a serious hip condition not uncommon to the breed. Veterinarians advised we put him down. We could not and he grew into an amazing and treasured extension of my everyday actions.In the city he accompanied all the family. No favourites and no prejudice. Not even for food. But when he went to the farm with me he was mine and mine alone. Yes, I spoil him and he is a wonderful companion. One cannot experience loneliness with such a pal.He is now eight years old and his life has been one marked with visits to the vet. His problems have magnified and he now limps. The front right lower leg is swollen and pain medication is a constant.There is no cure. Once again the dreaded word euthanasia option has been raised. But Riley seems content and appears cheerful. No whimpers and no let down on his love for us. It is reciprocated! My heart is tearing!It must be dreadful for him to be watched so much!