What People Say to Their Pets

I had a friend who used to say that it's not important what you say, it's important what the other person hears. So true. What about our pets? Do our dogs and cats understand us when we talk to them? Here's what I think it's like when we talk to our pets.

WHAT WE SAY TO OUR DOG SPOT

Good boy, Spot. That's a very good boy, Spot. Go fetch the ball, Spot. Good boy. Here's a treat for you, Spot. You're a good dog, Spot.

WHAT SPOT HEARS

blah blah Spot blah blah blah blah blah Spot blah blah blah blah Spot blah blah blah blah blah blah blah Spot blah blah blah blah Spot.

Goodbye Mittens: You Were a Good Kitty

We had a hard day today. Our cat Mittens, who we have had since she was a kitten 11 years ago, died today. A few weeks ago she started getting sick. We took her to the vet and found out that she had an autoimmune disorder with no cure. Mittens had been getting sicker every day, until she stopped eating and drinking this week. She wasn't strong enough to move. My wife and daughters said goodbye to Mittens today. There were plenty of tears. I took Mittens to the vet this afternoon to have her put to sleep. As I was waiting in the vet's office, Mittens died. She just twitched a couple of times and stopped breathing. It didn't seem like she was in pain. I usually don't cry, I guess because real men aren't supposed to cry, especially about pets. But I did shed a few tears.

Our family was lucky to have Mittens. She was lucky to have us. She had a good life. She was a good cat. We're sure she is now in that place where all good cats go, where there are lots of cats to play with and plenty of cat nip. So long, Mittens, wherever you are. You were a good kitty.