Dear Readers, By the time you read this, my sweet foster- fail pup may no longer be with us. The prognosis is grim, and last week, I was too distressed to write due to multiple veterinary visits. I’m grateful to my editor for understanding and giving me space without guilt.
It was National Dog Day, and I wanted to write about the enrichment our furry friends bring into our lives. I’m a dog gal, but I am including all of my kitty cat lovers in this homage — whether you have human kiddos or not. The support I’ve received on social media regarding my little dachshund-cattle dog mix has been overwhelming. Folks express true empathy when our fur babies are unwell.
I haven’t had many pets, and this is the first time I’ve witnessed one of my own decline. My family began fostering him during the pandemic shutdown. The San Marcos Animal Shelter needed help housing strays during this delicate time, and we heeded their call. The shelter’s usual adoption process was halted, so we stepped in to provide a temporary home — thus my email chain with the subject line “COVID fostering” began. Finally, on Cinco de Mayo, on my return from a camping trip, I stopped in to scoop up a foster. My little guy had arrived the night before. It was fate.
He was the only small dog at the shelter that day, and his black and white freckles with a tiny brown tip on his tail charmed us instantly. We wanted to name him Oolong for the tea-dipped appearance of his tail, and we went through several names as we struggled to find something that captured the historical phenomenon of the pandemic.
We decided on the name “Seder” because we had participated in our very first Seder ritual with many other families via zoom. Though our family is not Jewish, we were thrilled to be invited to such an important event during this time of isolation and tribulation. It was such a wonderful experience that we decided it worthy of his name: Seder. Plus, he responded extremely well to it.
This column isn’t about making you sad about lost pets; it’s about celebrating the unconditional love they bring into our lives. Perhaps it’s time to consider adopting a new friend, paying a visit to the local shelter or getting that memorial painting or tattoo of your loved one as a tribute to keeping their spirit close. I’m not certain about the future of my beloved Seder, but I’m truly grateful for the love he’s given to my family and friends — even if that love came with barks and fangs.
Pets love us despite all of our flaws, and we benefit immensely from their devotion. Cheers to all you pet lovers out there. Xoxo,
Kelly Stone is an educator, comedian, mother, and author who loves the heck outta the river. She welcomes e-letters at kellystone.org or [email protected] and adores handwritten notes and postcards via good ol’ snail mail.
