Family and Pets
For those of you out there who do not like gushy, pet-loving stories, please stop reading. For the rest of you pet owners out there who understand a pet is not merely a pet, but an extension of the family circle, read on…
Today I received a note from my aunt that my cousin’s Boston Terrier, Stanley, had to be put down yesterday. He was 13 years young and suffering from dimished health. My cousin and her husband are - understandably - heartbroken. It lead me to more thoughts of family pets and their places in our lives.
As many of you know, my partner and I have two calico cats. To me, they are my girls… my kids. If something should happen to them, I would be lost and heartbroken, as well. (Jude already knows I’m a major sap in many ways… this post won’t be a shock to her 
I grew up in a family where our cats and dogs were our family members. When something happened to one of them, it wrenched your heart. I’ve had the pleasure of having several wonderful pets in my family, as well as experiencing the unfortunate loss of many of them. It’s nearly as difficult, if not JUST as difficult, as losing a family member.
So… I just want to say how incredibly sorry I am for my cousin and her husband’s loss. If I were out there with you, I’d give you both a BIG hug! But, since I can’t, please consider this in its place:
In loving memory of Stanley
Peace out!
Jules - the big sap
