Meow, woof

[greatbear]

I've read a few of my friend's journals in recent times where the passing of a beloved pet is spoken of and commented by heartfelt, emotional and loving words. Having been through it so many times in the past myself, I know exactly the feelings of the writers. I had been mulling over a little essay on how easy an animal can insinuate itself into the hearts and homes of some people, using my own past darlings as an example. I am going to do this still, but in the past couple days one of my favorite comic strips, For Better or For Worse, did a nice job of how it usually goes.




FBoFW has always had pets in major story lines throughout the series. The first one written about was Farley, their dog. Just as a 'real family' (which is what this strip emulates, in timeline and story line), Farley shows up in the focus of the storytelling. Comic relief, funny as well as touching scenarios, and just daily life, Farley was there. Then came a series where Farley jumps into a river to save the youngest of the children who was drowning. Farley, being an old dog, manages to save the child and become the family hero, but at the cost of his own life. That series (which can still be found on the site) made me bawl my eyes out. Still does when I read it. The next dog I have, if it's male, will probably be named Farley.

Pets are special sometimes. There are some who will not see that, to them it will just be a dog or a cat. For the majority of folks, however, their dog or their cat will become far more - not an animal, not just a pet. No, to us they will be family. Like people, but somehow even better, with their unconditional love, undying devotion and charming ways.

We sure miss them when they are gone.

Comments

[clickboo.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I try to resist, but I have on occaision, fallen in love with a pet.. And it really is due to that unconditional love... A trait so rarely seen in humans, alas.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Resistance is truly futile, besides, you'd only be depriving yourself of some of the best feelings in life. :)

[mathan.livejournal.com]

It's funny you bring up FBoFW because Lynn is the sister-in-law of a friend of ours :)

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Please thank her for bringing a bright spot into my day. :-)

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Be glad I didnt put the Farley strip in here, you would have been a total mess. One cant help doting on them.

[barak.livejournal.com]

I cried endlessly when the strip involving Farley's passing came up, it reminded me of my own dog Mac, who passed away after three rounds of chemo from canine leukemia three years ago. I miss him every day, but I have a special picture of us, sleeping on the couch.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

That picture is indeed special. THanks for sharing. :)

[xtc-cub.livejournal.com]

FBoFW has always been a good toon for several topics. I think shes done an excellent job when it involves pets. You can tell she's a huge animal lover.

We're still feeling it over losing Mack. But, we still shop down the pet aisle and find things we could get for him. So, we're getting better *g* Eventually, we will get another. My only wish would be he (or she) have the same personality as Mack.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Ah, but they all have their own personalities. That's what makes 'em so wonderful.

[baeritone.livejournal.com]

When we moved to Pittsburgh, we had to give Punkin up (stop it, I didn't name him "Punkin Reege"). One of my roomies is allergic, but if ever there were a cat to keep, Punkin was the one.

Our next door neighbor's mother took him, and it makes me happy to know that he's happy, in a place with another cat to play with, a dog to terrorize, and a self-cleaning litter box. Still...I miss him. When Paulo loves a cat, you know the cat is special.

Sigh.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Good to know that Punkin is livin' large.

[chastmastr.livejournal.com]

Wow.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Aint it tho?

[poohnnova.livejournal.com]

I was distraught when Farley died... FBoFW has always been one of my favorite panels.

HUGS!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I love the strip because it's so 'real'. Unlike most, it happens in real time, where you can watch all the characters grow up, grow old, and do so many of the things that people do in real life. And there's no end to the subjects it tackles either.

[dencoartist.livejournal.com]

About 2 months ago, my ex called to let me know he was going to have to put our black lab Sam to sleep that day...he'd been having some neurological problems, and was now unable to swallow. Rick was sobbing...he didn't want to do it, but he didn't want to watch Sammy starve to death, either. Naturally, I was a mess at work that day.
It was like he'd told me he was having to euthanize our child.
We'd gotten him the first year we were together, and were together for 8 yrs before I left in '99. About 2 years ago Sam really started to go downhill healthwise. Rick would give me updates, which would, of course, evolve into short conversations on our new lives, etc. I still consider him a friend.
Sam was the last little link, the last connection between us...when he died, the last vestiges of "us" died, too.
I haven't talked to Rick since...but he did call me after Sam was at peace to let me know that he told him Mommy (that's me)loved him and gave him a big hug for me.
ugh.
ok...I have to go cry somewhere now...
Thanks for the beautiful post. I needed this.

[baeritone.livejournal.com]

Ok...I have to go cry somewhere now.

That was beautiful, and so sad.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Thanks for sharing this. Simply beautiful.

*hugz*

thanks guys...

[dencoartist.livejournal.com]

everyone's posts were so sweet and real...I felt I had to contribute.