For the Love of Fur
When you were a kid, were you longing for a “Lassie” or yearning for a lively Labrador like “Old Yeller?” In later years, I know my kids were begging for some Beethovens, but St. Bernards were out of the question! There are so many decisions when deciding to adopt a dog. But one thing is for sure, you’ve got to love a fur-ever friend!
Whoever coined the phrase, ‘dogs are man’s best friend’ must’ve been speaking from experience. I was a mere 6 years old when I learned that a dog will never let you down. Duchess wasn’t a “designer” dog like the doodles of today. She was merely a mutt that had my whole heart. When I thought no one else was listening, she would lay her head in my lap lovingly and listen to my woes. She was undeniably the description of undying love. Back in my day, it was uncommon to have pets in the great indoors. But Dutchie lived lavishly in a custom-built, insulated, roomy red doghouse in our backyard. Every once in a while, when mom was away at work, dad would swear secrecy and let me let Dutchie come inside. Ahhh, the joy of her jumping onto my bed to sneak in some indoor snuggling. She lived to the ripe old age of 16, but she’ll live forever in my heart.
Pets have always been a per-PET-ual part of my life. There are too many to count, but I remember every single one. Dogs were definitely the domain, but my lifelong collection of critters consisted of hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, cats, and even a chinchilla named “Chi-Chi.” I even had pets at my office. I discovered that kids with deep emotions found solace in sharing with a furry friend. Long before “pet therapy” was a thing, I could see that the healing power of pets was evident. I incorporated the assistance of animals in my work in nursing homes, child welfare work and even the domestic violence shelter. I was honored to work with the honorable juvenile/probate judge, Allan Davis who allowed the inclusion of the testimony of a young boy who was non-verbal, except when in the company of my guinea pig “Snickers.” He suffered from unspeakable abuse all of his brief nine years. No wonder he trusted no humans. But when he would arrive at my office each week, he would head to Snickers’ cage, gently cradle him to his chest, and confide some terrifying truths that no child should ever have to endure. In order to find justice for this sweet boy, Judge Davis allowed video testimony of the boy sharing drastic details with the one being on this earth whom he trusted – a guinea pig named Snickers. Back in the 1980s, this was unheard of and to this day, I treasure the time I got to work with such a wonderful, caring man giving justice through the gavel.
Pets provide such peace as we delve through our daily dilemmas. Face it, no one is more delighted to see you come through the door than your dog. No matter your feats or failings of the day, that wagging tail makes way to a better day. Behold the barking, begging and the constant fur flying, our four-footed friends can send our stressed packing. I’ve managed a menagerie since the early days with Dutchie. There were my Beagle boys, Buster and Bogie, our awesome Akitas Mickie and Cubbie, our precious rescue Riley the Great Pyrenees, and now our delightful doodles, Annie and Ellie. There were countless cats and other creatures we cherished as well throughout the years. It’s hard not to harbor a smile (or a tear) when reminiscing over the fur babies loved and lost. I know you too have heartfelt stories to tell and I’d love to hear them as well! Don’t hesitate to drop me a line to let me know how pets have a permanent place in YOUR heart!
Branna (McCarty) Shores believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud graduate of NHS and Purdue University, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com