The Sniffles plaque, spotted on a recent trip to OR, brought to mind attachment. I am assuming Sniffles was someone's beloved fifteen year old cat. What do you think?
Currently there are no pets in my house. I remember with an aching heart the pain when as a child, Dad shot my dog Yippie because Yippie was breaking eggs and killing chickens.
Since thankfully I didn't see it happen, and no one told me why my best friend wasn't around anymore, I found out the truth when Mom couldn't keep the terrible secret any longer.
I could have used the Rainbow Bridge.
According to Google (what did we do without it?), the Rainbow Bridge is a place between here and heaven where a reunion takes place between the owner and pet that died.
I remember the close bond that Yippee and I shared. I was attached to him. Maybe the reason pets are so important to us is that when we form an attachment to them, they are usually ready and willing to meet our needs and relieve our anxieties.
Barry Magid writes that our self-involvement, narcissistic vulnerabilities and various inner conflicts all lead us to form unhealthy, neurotic attachments with people.
Do you have attachments with pets? Tell me what it's like if you do. Is Magid correct that attachments with people are more difficult?
Thanks for exploring the mystery - Nicky Mendenhall
Ordinary Mind (2005), Barry Magid.
This was like reading about someone I don’t know. I remember vaguely that you had talked about having a dog but I was shocked when I read that Dad shot him. It’s hard for me to imagine you being so close to a dog. I remember when Mom hit Windy with a broom because she thought the dog had killed some chickens. No wonder why she thought that since the dog before had. But I was sure Windy didn’t do it and comforted her after Mom left. Turns out I was right and it was a fox.
ReplyDeleteAt first I was going to say, yes, it’s easier to have relationships with pets. However, they are totally reliant on us for their physical care which in a healthy human relationship is not true. But the way animals love so unconditionally and live in the present (without grudges) makes the relationship seem easier.
Thanks for your insightful response.
DeleteI also appreciate your suggestion in your following email saying you remembered a photo of me and Yippee. I'm searching for it!
Of COURSE, you know I think relationships with animals are easier than humans! Still, the sad part is most of the time pets have shorter life spans and the loss of them can be devastating. And, in other ways they are like a child who never grows up, they always need care and attention. And as I get older, it seems more difficult to have pets, especially when thinking of traveling.
ReplyDeleteLots of thought went into your comment I can tell. Thank you - lots of food for thought!
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