It Takes More Than Just Feeding Pets

“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.” (Antoine de Saint-Exupery “The Little Prince”).

Loving a living creation; be it a human being, animal or a plant requires attention. We have now five cats (one is pregnant) and three dogs. They are in our life almost by causality, or by those things that just fall into your life.

Two of the three dogs are with us since the day we were visiting The Cerro Maravilla. In the midst of a lonely and wild nature area, Greg gave reverse saying “Did you see that?” Yes, I saw them and on my lap they came all the way home with us.

It takes more than just feeding pets. Greg’s morning has become a routine of taking the dogs out, cleaning their areas and feeding them … actually feeding us because he always gives me breakfast. I do help sometimes, but it has become more of his duty than mine.

When you find an animal for a pet it is because you like it and you are able to deal with it. They are just like another family member. They need you to provide confidence, care, food, a comfortable place to sleep in and to freely be since they will depend on you as its owner..

Cerro Maravilla is found in Puerto Rico located on the town named Ponce and it is the fourth highest peak of the island. This peak is part of the Puerto Rico Central Mountain Range.

This peak is really known by most of the Puertorricans by the murder of two independent activist on July 25, 1978 rather than by its height.

Taking the dogs out means that:

Sleeping time is not up to the hour you or your body wants; it is when the dogs start growling or barking.

You become a watch man in a place like where we live, preventing pet harm.

The puppies have to be carried because of the stairs.

Cleaning their areas means that:

The dogs have to be caged for them not to mess while their area is being cleaned up.

The detergent has to be mixed with an adequate portion of water.

The floor has to be dried.

The blankets have to be removed and washed.

Feeding the pets is to:

Have the food that is good for them and that they like.

Changing the water since they are always washing their feet in it.

Feeding the dogs means that…after a while they have to be taken outside again.

Pets are a good company for most people. The reality is that when you have more than two different kinds or personalities, it makes the pleasure of having them like a nightmare. They will interrupt with your own habits and being out signifies that your carriage will turn into a pumpkin if you are not on time to the house. We have wanted to get rid of them but they have become part of our lives.

This special feeling of pertinence gives birth between the pet and owner. Pets will become a defender of your property and of the owner. The instinct in the owner of the pet sharpens, knowing that something has gone wrong or everything is fine, when an absence of the owner is required. I get those feelings with many of the people I love and also for our pets.

We were out when I got the feeling that we should be at home. One of the puppies fell from the balcony that is on a second level. When we found the puppy by her cries, she was suffering and jumping like crazy…as always.

With the routines that our animals demand, we have a new task and it is to protect and assist the dog as she heals. She needs massages on her toes to lower the swelling. We began to put ice on them and it has helped her. The veterinarian recommended to give her crushed eggs shell for calcium, since her legs are very broken. She is to be kept in tranquility without stress.

We prepared a video of the three dogs. It shows how the dog loved to run and take dips anywhere she finds water. The video also includes a moment on the beach of our lovely island Puerto Rico, to distress the stress. The accident of the puppy made her two legs broken. Her sister was crying all the time and presented traces of depression. We also were having some hard life times and the beach, waves and space helps to gain strength…to go over again the same and other situations. The last part of the video shows the puppy as a "fighter".

Pets give existence a different tune. Animals are funny and intelligent; I know that any animal can delight anyone. They are demanding of time, energy, money and commitment. I wish I had all it requires to have a zoo. I hope you also have the same requirements; many animals are out there waiting for love.

Dejected, he wandered on until he heard cries from a small fox saying "Tame me." The little prince asked "What is it to tame?" The fox replies, "It is to establish ties... to me, you are more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys and I have no need of you... But if you tame me, than we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery “The Little Prince”).

Blessings to all!

Oh, by the way if you are asking yourself what I do while Greg is in his routine...a hub is not enough, but a book is on the way.

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill