I'm thinking about my dog. Had to rush him to the vet on Tuesday because he was in pain. He's an old fella, about 13, and I was sure I was going to lose him. Turns out he's going to be ok and he's on the mend, but on the drive I was fighting back tears and dreading having to tell my girls. I know that day will come, and I'm gently preparing them, but it's not easy. As I was waiting at the vet, I saw a person I went to high school with. She was with her husband and teenager, and they were weeping as they walked to the door. They'd had to put their pet down.
It made me sad to see their pain, but their grief reflected the deep caring and bonded relationship these people had with their animal companion and the happiness they shared with each other. I just never cease to be amazed at how important pets are to families.