Accepting A Pet Again

Our family (in my parenting years) had two or three cats (one at a time) which gave us companionship, to the best of their abilities, before each disappearing in turn. We then had a corgi dog which I fell in love with and, later, had to go through the trauma of holding while it was euthanized.

Many years followed, without a pet, until, recently, my wife & I had a boarder at our home who brought a cat with him. Boarder and cat departed recently, leaving a hole in our lives. I eventually succumbed to getting a cat from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It’s a 3 year- old short-haired domestic tabby that came with the name, Dudley.

Dudley is quite friendly and has shown a preference for my wife – which is great because I wanted that to happen. She has dementia and a pet is comforting for her.

He’s a clever animal and chooses each night to have a small cuddle with me (an endearing behaviour) before going to bed with my wife.

He comes with a few more chores (for me to perform) and adds costs to our budget, but its pleasant to have feline company again.

Will we outlive him or will he outlive us? I'm growing attached.