My husband and I were talking about the things we like to do and he mentioned that he missed playing with the dog we used to have. I even got the last dog to give him something to do when I was still working. He and the dog would go out for walks and I knew he always had a companion here during the day. When that last dog died, I decided no more because of the extra work for me and concerns over tripping for my husband. I wonder if that was a bad decision?

We have a cat named Sadie who is always around but not nearly as playful as our dogs were. We certainly can’t walk her and she sleeps a lot of the time. We interact with her but it’s not the same. Our dogs loved and needed us, Sadie tolerates and uses us.  On the other hand, she isn’t much work. She sleeps on a cat perch next to me while I am writing and cuddles in our laps when we’re watching television. She’s good about reminding us when it’s her mealtime and gives us someone else to talk with and about, which is good.

Having a pet in the house gives me something to think about besides the daily challenges of my husband’s diagnosis. Our Sadie is a distraction and there are definitely days when I need that. She is also a very good listener and will usually give hugs when I need them. She is here for me and doesn’t care if we’re having a good or a bad day as long as there is kibble in her bowl and fresh water for her to drink. Wouldn’t it be great if that were all I had to worry about in my day? Maybe that’s her greatest gift, reminding me that as long as those basic needs are met the rest will somehow fall into place.