You know our pets join us during our journey through life. Their time with us is shorter, so we have the opportunity to enjoy meeting many of them. For them, we are their whole lives. For us, they are a brief companion who teach us so many things, not least of which is how to let go… and welcome something new in.
My first pet was a a Netherland dwarf bunny. Her name was Georgina (for those who might try to use this information to hack me: I never use my pets names in passwords. Foiled you!), and she was absolutely adorable. I bought the best crate so she wouldn’t have her feet on wire all the time and could still poop to her hearts content. At the time, we lived in Meyerland and had a home with a beautiful atrium that was fully enclosed. We would let her loose in there to run and enjoy. Sometimes we would watch her pirouette.
I dated a guy who loved tarantulas. Though I was scared of the creatures at first, I primed myself to like them, visualizing myself holding one in my hand. Eventually, he gave me one as a pet: Twinkle. She was a gorgeous Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula. Beautiful and peaceful, she would live in her terrarium and wait for food to rain down from heaven. When I misted the space to keep up the humidity, she glittered like a rose-colored diamond. Tarantulas can live up to 30 or so years in captivity, and she was with me a long time — way longer than the guy who gave her to me.
Eventually, I got a dog. I always wanted a dog, but my mom was scared of them so we were not allowed to have them growing up. Arwen Undomniel was my first dog. I found her at the SPCA cowering in a small kennel. When I took her into the get to know you room, she moved quickly to a corner and shook there, head hanging low. She wouldn’t play or sniff me or anything. I took my ‘shy’ girl home and with lots of love she became the most audacious and independent little dog ever. She was a German Shepherd/Labrador Mix. Her ears eventually went pointy from her puppy ears. She and her littermate, Ella, were my brother and I’s babies.
Later, I got my now, ex, husband Grace. She was a pure-bred German Shepherd and absolutely gorgeous. A bit of a dumb blonde, Grace often got scared of her own shadow, but she was a sweet girl. Some time towards the end of my marriage, we adopted Merlin, a Great Dane/Lab/Bloodhound/Possibly other mix boy. He has been a fun dog to have because of his sweet personality and energy.
When I lost Arwen, we met Arya. She’s my Husky. And boy is she everything that breed pretends to be. Hair all over my house, vocal talking back, but super loyal and sweet. Beautiful with her big blue eyes, she is the newest delight that life has brought to me. 
Though I have lost many of these beautiful beings, I have learned much from them and they have filled my life with joy. Some people lose a pet and never get a second. I can’t be okay with that. I miss each and everyone of them and each and everyone is irreplaceable. But I also know that we all must die, and letting go while being open to new things is a huge part of the grieving process. Loss is grief. But a new adventure awaits, with new furry friends.
Thanks for reading about my pets. Share with me your pets on my author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fernbradyauthor/?ref=pages_you_manage