Our Best Friends

 

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

-- Anatole France

I love cats.  I love the independence of cats.  Before he passed, Shadow would lie on my keyboard while I was trying to type, because I was doing something that diverted my attention from him.  But, cats are different from most of our companions. Cats only need us when they really need us, and we'd better be there.  There is a special place in hell for people who treat the best of us poorly.  Our pets are the best of us.

My son, when he was young, was walking a few houses down when he put his hand through the picket fence to pet a German shepherd.  The dog lunged and he drew his hand back just in time.  He was pissed at the dog.  I told him the dog was not the problem.  Dumbass kids that stick their hands where they shouldn't be are the problem.  The owner was concerned, but I told him the ass chewing was over and there was no harm. He was afraid I was going to sue.  For my son's stupidity? He put chicken wire across the fence fronting the sidewalk.  A good move on his part.

Until you know an animal, they are an unknown quantity.  They can do anything, even if you know them.  Animas, for the most part, live for the "knee-jerk" reaction.  My own dogs would jump to bite me, only to put my hand in their mouth before realizing it was me.  My hand was in their mouth and their eyes were locked on mine.  They would spit my hand out and start licking it, like that was what they were trying to do in the first place.  Not.  Cats, on the other hand (no pun), would just finish the lesson.  The only thing they care about is that you watch where you put that hand in the future. Understood.

Shadow was six when he passed.  He was feral when he "volunteered" to live with us, and the vet said the likely cause was heartworm.  He bit me twice, to the bone, when he first came to us. But he and I came to an understanding; you don't bite me and I won't punch you in the head.  It seemed to work.

There isn't a day that I don't miss my good friend.  I miss his 18 pounds of flesh on my chest, especially when he put all of his weight on the front legs. I would move him off of me and massage the two piledriver dents in my chest. Shadow was a good kitty.  I hope he passed on to a good life.

Our pets are with us, for the most part, because they bring us joy.  If they don't like us, they find a way to leave.  It is only forced servitude in our minds, not in theirs.  We have a different relationship, a give-and-take, with dogs and many other animals.  Cats, regardless of what we think, do what they want. Horses just want my apple... or my carrot.  I've never understood horses, but I know a young lady who does.  She loves all animals.

“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.”

-- Colette

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com