I work part-time in the art department for one of the major newspapers in CT. We create and process the ads not only for our newspaper but also for those for our sister publications. We also create the happy grams, special announcements and memoriams as well. The reason for this rant is that there is a memoriam running in this Sunday’s edition for someone’s cat. Its actually quite touching. The cat looks to be a Persian and is big and fluffy and beautiful, just like how my Odin was. The fact that this even running astounds me. A few months ago a gentleman had wanted to run a memoriam for his pet dog and was flat out refused. He was told that memoriams were for people only, not for pets or animals. This particular memoriam isn’t cheap. Its over $150 to run the ad for the one day. This sparked a somewhat annoying clash of opinions between several of us in the department. Having just recently lost a beloved pet, I can completely understand and appreciate the bond that this woman held with her pet. A loss like what we all have experienced isn’t something to be taken lightly. When our pets die, the thought of living without their companionship and unselfish love hurts, period. There were others, like me, who thought the memoriam was a touching tribute to an obviously treasured companion.

One of my co-workers proceeded to rant and rave about how the line should be drawn to treating animals like people, they can’t even read it, and that it was a complete waste of money and that we shouldn’t be doing this to begin with. That was their opinion and they are more than entitled to it. But as I told them, this cat obviously meant a great deal and was a very important presence in their life. To them this wasn’t a waste. If they want to spend the money on the memoriam, let them. We do it for people all the time. They can’t read it. They aren’t alive to appreciate it. These people do it to reaffirm their connection with their deceased loved ones. Who are we to diminish or belittle what they held with said individual. Should it matter if it's an animal instead of a person this time? It didn’t sit to well with them and they walked away in a huff. Good riddance I say!

People can argue that it was a waste of money. Its not my position to say. Is it something that I would have done? If I had the money to burn, I would have. I would rather have made a private donation to a shelter where at least I know that the money is going towards a cause and not lining the pocket of someone’s wallet. But that’s my choice. Do I see the money I spent on trying to save Odin as a waste. I most certainly do not. I would have maxed out my credit card if it meant I could have saved his life. He was a part of my life for three years. He, along with his brother Loki were always there for me whenever I needed them. Sometimes when I didn’t need them as well. Like at 3:00 am and using my head as a pillow! Why should their life be of less significance to me than that of one of my “human” members. I think I can speak for other people on the board that there are times that I like animals more than people. People are motivated by greed and selfishness. They are judgmental, biased and deceitful. The love of an animal is one of life’s true forces in this world. They don’t care how fat you are, how you look, how much money you have or what kind of car you drive. They love they give is pure.

To where ever this woman is and to everyone reading this log, know that you have my deepest sympathies in your losses. It will get better, just give yourself some time.

Sending out love and happy thoughts to all.

Cynthia

Hi Cynthia,

I totally agree with you 100%....

Take Care/Spooky's Mom
Rubie

The reason most people walk away in a huff is that deep down they know you are right and dont have any answeres to come back with.

Money is such a big issue in so many peoples life, even those that have plenty, and too many people know only how to spend it on themselves.

me to im with you, you tell them how it is to be loved by a pet they dont know what they are missing

sara

People who feel this way, in my opinion, have never felt that unconditional love from a pet. I'm in total agreement with you on this!

I agree with you too of course. And I feel sorry for folks who have never experienced the unconditional love of a pet. They have no clue what they are missing out on.

Luna