"a Mini-tribute To Pets", By Gary Kurz

[Maylissa]

Permission to Republish: This article may be republished in newsletters and on websites provided attribution is provided to the author and it appears with the included copyright, resource box and live website link. E-mail notice of intent is appreciated, but not required: (mail to: PETGATE@aol.com)

Pre-formatted to 60-65 characters width

Cleared by Lycos content checker

Title of Article: "A Mini-Tribute to Pets" By Gary Kurz

There are few things in life that give us as much satisfaction as when we are loved and appreciated. When we know that we are important to someone else and that we are on their minds, we have a deep sense of worth and purpose.

Sadly, there is an increasing number of people in society who never enjoy being the object of another's attention or interest. For one reason or another they live unto themselves. They may be shy or self-conscious, or they may have developed a distrusting spirit for people. Whatever the reason, aside from work and shopping, they have become virtual hermits in society.

Such circumstances do not eliminate the basic need we all have to feel that we are loved and needed. Whether our loner status is the result of being shunned by society or a self-imposed moratorium toward gregarious behavior, the need to feel important remains and there needs to be an accommodation of this need in our lives.

Enter the beloved pet. For those who cannot or will not develop human bonds, there is the alternative of pet friendship. Of course, keeping a pet is something anyone can enjoy. Great relationships with pets are enjoyed by everyone. Still, somehow for those who are lonely for human companionship, it seems they cling more closely to their pets than those of us who balance our lives with both human and animal friends. The pet is all they have. All of their social need is vested in their relationship with that pet.

In all probability, we all know someone like this. To some they may seem odd, almost anti-social. However, it is nothing more than someone trying to fill the basic desire they have for friendship or companionship. No doubt they would prefer to also have human relationships, but again, for whatever reasons, this just is not likely.

A young lady who worked for me while I was on active duty is a good example of this. She was relatively attractive and a nice person. She was a hard worker and did a good job. She was well-liked and friendly. However, she just could not seem to forge a relationship with others. She did not date and she did not have friends outside of work.

She funneled her need for companionship into her pets. She kept cats. In fact, she had nine of them. Her whole life apart from work centered on her animal friends. Her time and money was spent making their lives comfortable. In turn, they made her feel that she was needed and appreciated.

Although one of my majors was Psychology, I am not a licensed practitioner and I do not suppose to have all the answers to anti-social behavior. Still, common sense and experience tells me that people who have difficulty relating to people seldom will change their outlook without professional guidance.

For these people and really for the rest of us too, those animals we label "pets" are God-sends. Much has been written about the courageous and valor of these wonderful creatures who have graced us by walking alongside us through history. There are stories of heroism and bravery, of perseverance and strength. We immortalize our pets with statues and memorials and capture their contributions in song and literature.

They are marvelous creatures at those celebrated levels, but they also fill the gaps and voids in uncelebrated ways. They companion the unwanted. They befriend those that no one else wants. They are everywhere, silently doing their jobs, making those who feel unloved, loved and adding importance to their lives.

The author, Gary Kurz, helps those grieving the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence that proves they live on. His most popular book, "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit at coldnosesbook.com(for more information, tips and gifts or write to Gary at petgate@aol.com.

[lorikelly]

Thanks Maylissa for sharing that article. i have always been a firm believer that animals are good for people. they help the elderly, sick and teach children alot of lessons. my mom lived 2 yrs in her assisted living and she had her cat Bootsie. i made sure i found one who took cats. i never would of made her give him up. i had to leave a 500 dep but it was so worth it. i went everyday (2x a day) to see mom and clean his box. i knew how import he was to her and she to him. i still have her Bootsie and will love him til the day he leaves this world and then i will one day see him again. My mom gave me my love of animals.

I have a site for spanky, i have to put more pictures up of him. If you want to look at it, it is under Spanky Kelly.

Love Lori

Maylissa

I am going to print this article and bring it to work. Alot of our clients (and some employees) fit the description of the girl who worked for him. Lori

[Maylissa]

Lori,

Glad you liked it! Animals ARE not only good for people, but are to my mind, our biggest hope for and vehicle towards enlightenment! They can teach not only children, but anyone of any age, if only we're open enough to receive them in all their fullness.

To this end, I also offer this review of what sounds to be another remarkable and much-needed book called "Animal Grace" by Mary Lou Randour, PhD. It is about the spiritual side of our relationships with animals. I doubt this author will tell me anything I haven't already found out (and lived) for myself, but I'm still hoping I can find and read her important work. I loved the way this book review began, with "Ask Not What Animals Can Do For You"....."Ask What You Can Do For Animals"......because this is how I view the bigger picture myself.

Society & Animals Forum - "Animal Grace" This is also a darn good site overall for animal-friendly folks who take this role seriously - it was formed by/for scholars and professionals in the fields of animal education, training and advocacy.

And what you did for both your mom and Bootsie reflects this kind of consideration. I couldn't be happier about what you did! Your dedication to them both is so very heartwarming! I wish there were more like you! I'm also amazed that there even IS such a thing as a home where animals are allowed nowadays. Wow....you were lucky to find one!! (the grassroots fight for rental and other accommodations to be legislated to allow animal companions hasn't been strong enough in the last 2 decades, most unfortunately!!)

Right -- I DID look at Spanky's memorial the other day, but couldn't figure out how to 'light a candle' for him and you, to let you know I'd been there! (and forgot to mention it in my other post today) It was a lovely tribute, though, and I'm looking forward to seeing some of your pics of him there.

Love,

Maylissa