Trading Post Chat

What's your seatbelt on the roller coaster of life

By SAVANNAH CUNNICK

Many say it is a healthy bank account.....a paid off mortgage....a future inheritance.... a secure job....a new car....the most gorgeous house on the block....
Well, that's all well and good....but have you forgotten the other comforting seatbelt that many of us have without all that mentioned above.
Yes, a happy family is close to what I am talking about....but in that family, you will find a PET. And, when our family is all grown and moved on...who still remains? Your little seatbelt to help us through that roller coaster of life. Willingly, that little animal absorbs all your stress, grief, sickness and lonely days. Their eyes have the power to speak a great language. These loyal companions are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no criticism, only leave paw prints on your heart.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. The journey in life is sweeter when traveled with a pet. A security blanket, our SEATBELT on the roller coaster of life, which for most of us is a daily thing. When no one else cares or doesn't have time to listen, that little furry person puts you number one on it's agenda.
Pets are perpetually unforgiving and they are the ones who spend most of their time waiting for you to come home. Animals heal little children and give folks in prison or institutions a new lease on life another chance.
There are K-9's in the police department who put their lives on the line and are respected as a police officer there are animals used for helping the blind focus and enables them to be part of the world with their little seatbelt fastened onto them.
Animals in hospitals and nursing homes bring so much joy to those who need to share love and hugs and to hold something once again. Comfort, which seems to be the only gift one truly needs.
You can confide in your pets and pour your heart out and it remains a secret between you and them. A four-legged psychiatrist, only charging you warm meals, a comfy home and love for the price of therapy.
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Uncle Festus told me one day: When an 85 pound mammal licks your tears away, then tries to sit in your lap, it's hard to feel sad!
Cousin Clarence says: If you think a dog can't count,try putting 3 dog biscuits in yore pocket and then only give him 2 of them!
Aunt Martha commented: My dog taught my boy fidelity, perseverance and to turn around three times before laying down!
Actress Elizabeth Taylor stated: Some of my best leading men where dogs and horses!
Uncle Pete spoke up and said: I keep a big dog because I haven't got the guts to BITE people myself. He is my pal and defender.
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Now, your pet doesn't necessarily have to be a dog or cat. It can be a horse, goat, pig, hamster, snake...even goldfish...and the list goes on.
Whatever gives you that comfort we are talking about -it's your call! But, since I have a dog and several kitty cats, I find writing about those two SEATBELTS the easiest.
In ancient times cats were worshipped as Gods, they haven't forgotten that. Dogs weren't so lucky. As my friend points out: We call our dog EGYPT because he leaved pyramids in every room!
Women and cats will do as they please and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea: says Auntie Ann.
To me, there is nothing more comforting as a cat sleeping on my lap.
Cousin Clarence said his cat swallowed his pencil. I said: And what did you do?! He said: I used a pen. (That lame brain!)
My neighbor has a darling little dog...but honestly, he looks more like a cross between Chewbacca and E.T. (Adorable just the same!)
My 5-year-old grandson says that they have a LAVADOR retriever; he brings you toilet paper when you need it. ( Does he mop floors, too?)
Remember Noah and all the animals he had on his ark? They say that the only way he could see all of them at night was to use FLOOD lights. ( booo....).
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You know, we can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way animals are treated. Saving a dog or cat won't change the world...but for that pet....the world changes forever.
If you have room in your heart and room in your home...there are so many little furry folks out there that need to be adopted. If you could consider adding another member to your family or know of friends who would like to adopt...please let the Cannon County Community for Animals know. You may call Sue at #615-563-2874 for further details.
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I am sad to say that JD and I recently lost a very dear kitty named Wiley. He was the sweetest most loving little guy you could ever want in your life.
We rescued him and his brother and sister five years ago from a damp leaky garage where the mother had left them. To this day, those triplets have filled our lives with love and laughter that will stay with us forever. Wiley had kidney failure. The vet tried to save him and reported to us for three days on his progress. One day he was better, then slipped a little, then next day he was better...then the final stab- to -the - heart phone call that he had to be put to sleep. Oh my Lord....did we cry.
The remaining cats know he is gone but are still looking for him. It just tore us to pieces. He was JD's cat and JD called him his DAT...part dog and part cat. He was an amazing little fellow...and still is...We are taught that angels have wings and the lucky ones of us find that they have four paws as well. So, Wiley we love you and miss you, Darling. You will always be in our hearts and in our memory as a most significant SEATBELT in our lives!
In closing, I will quote Will Rogers as saying: If there are no dogs or cats in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they do. (Amen).
So, my friends...please take care of your pets...your family and friends...help your neighbors...respect and visit the elderly, drive safely, and remember that I always have lots of HUGS for each and everyone of you........

HUGS, SAVANNAH