I try to live a life of gratitude. I say "try" because, yes, some days are harder than others. Even on the most stressful of days though, my default "I'm grateful for my pets" works every time.

I am grateful for the hairballs, yard-scooping, and middle-of-the-night awakenings, because the flipside -- the laughs, warm cozy purring, and silly Greyhound dancing and prancing make up for the necessary side of living with pets.

That "necessary side" of living with pets is nothing compared to losing a pet. I am sure that I am not alone, after losing a pet, wishing just for just one more opportunity to do one of those necessary pet caretaking tasks again.

Grateful During Times of Grief and Loss

In less than two months, I lost two pets. Sophie, at the too-young age of almost-twelve years old, and Greta the cat, at the very old age of almost-twenty-two years old.

It feels counterintuitive to feel grateful during times of loss. The "why now?" and "this isn't fair" thoughts are there, not fostering any feelings of gratitude. 

After a break of time and space, my gratitude for living with these pets returned. Still sad, yes. But also grateful for what they teach us, in their time with us.

Lessons in Gratitude

Sophie and Greta lived in the same house, but that is where similarities ended. Sophie, the happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever mix who loved everyone, and Greta the often-cranky, but always-loving, ancient cat, loved our family in their own ways.

 

Here are random lessons I have learned from these two vastly different pets over the years. 

• Sophie taught me to wake up each day expecting the very best. And, if the best didn't happen today, a nap fixes a lot of things.
• Greta taught me that napping is essential for a long life. Also, no nap is too important to skip a visit from a friend. Even if deep in slumber, she would wake up purring.
• Sophie taught me the value of play. She ran circles around her younger Greyhound friends, and was always up for a friendly game of "keep the toy away" from her housemates. They loved her anyway.
• Greta taught me the value of persistence. She would purr and head-butt you for attention. If you ignored her, she would purr louder, head-butt harder, until you would give in, laughing at what we called her "militant love."
• Sophie taught me that going out of your way to say hello often brings a smile to people's face. This antic brought her a treat now and then, too.
• Greta taught me that having a space of your own is essential sometimes. She preferred her solitude.
• Sophie taught me to see something new every day, even on the same familiar path. She loved her walks, and always acted like this was the Best Walk Ever, even if it was the very same walk we always did.
• And a big lesson: Sophie taught me that sometimes, when someone is sad, it is OK to just sit with them quietly. No words are needed.

In Summary
Every single one of my pets, past and present -- have taught me to laugh and enjoy life. Little furry (and feathered) reminders to not take things too seriously, live in the moment, enjoy the day, that meals are a celebration, and naps fix many things.

So many things to be thankful for. I wish the same for you and your pets.