Pets: a story of companionship

My Siberian Husky, Chico. Photo by Darien Walsh

By Darien Walsh

Owning a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a persons life. To many, owning them doesn’t really apply as much as living with them does. Pets are not simply dogs tied up in the backyard. People who do that would be better off buying a stuffed animal. Pets are a part of the family; they are loved just as equally as any human could be.

Pets offer so many things: companionship, unconditional love and even a best friend. Having pets is a great stress reliever. Petting a cat can lower blood pressure. They help with those who have anxiety or depression, or both.

We learn patience through our animals. Pets provide us with opportunities to be responsible and care for another living creature. Dogs and cats can’t speak for themselves. We have to be their voice. We learn how to be kind, and how to love. As someone who has always grown up with pets, I couldn’t imagine life without them. Even here at Waldorf I have a pet plant, a Daisy named Alfrid, that I care for.

On October 10, my puppy Chico passed away. Chico, though we call him a puppy, was 10 years old. I am 20 years old, which means I’ve had him for half of my life. Chico was a purebred Siberian Husky with blonde fur and piercing blue eyes. During the last couple of months, his arthritis got worse, and my sister and my mother carried him out every day to go potty. They cleaned him and fed him and made sure he was taken care of. We gave him aspirins and even spoiled him with ham and chicken.

I was told Chico died at home, on our porch, right next to my sister and my mom. I am so happy he was at home.

In December 2013, I lost both of our cats, Cinnamon and Snowy, within nine days of each other. Cinnamon was my closest friend despite being a cat. I was devastated when I had to take him in to put him down.

In September 2010, I lost my German Shepherd, Daisy, whom we rescued from abusive owners. She was 10 years old when she died too.

Those who have pets understand how hard it is to lose one. I still have three dogs at home, and I miss them terribly. I always say goodbye to my animals when heading back to Waldorf after a weekend at home. So Waldorf students, if you have pets back home, give them a big hug for me, and you, next time you visit. They’ll be so happy to see you.