Rick Liblong: The only true love money can buy

I once saw a sign for a pet store that read, “The love of a pet is the only true love money can buy.”

I believe that to be true. Pets are loveable, loyal companions that truly enhance our lives.

My two kitty cats, Tiger and Rico, were Sue’s and my children. Purr-fect kids, for sure. Never mis-behaved, didn’t ask for the car, didn’t mix with unsavory characters, etc. They greeted us at the door, purred softly and snuggled with us night and day. Oh, how I miss them.

Years ago, I had another pet. Billy the pheasant. Billy, who lived with my grandfather and was his constant companion, used to run around the yard with him like a dog. Unusual, for sure. I asked several people about their favorite pets or most unusual pets.

Charline said, “We had a pet pigeon.  We found him as a baby by the water tower behind the store.  My grandfather, in Belgium, raised homing pigeons so my mother taught us how to feed him ‘til he could eat by himself.  He flew free every day and returned every afternoon. A hall window was left ajar for him. He would wait for us after school and fly down to land on heads.  Pige only flew to us.  He spent the afternoons and nights in the apartment with us.  When he was inside, he walked, never flew.  He also had a special box that he used as a litter box.  One day he returned with another pigeon that just stayed by the window but would not come in.  He had found his mate!  He stayed in the area and would still fly down to us for a while, but he no longer came inside at night.  Eventually he stopped coming.”

Wonderful memories.

Bob S. recalled, “When I was an early teen, I had a pet chipmunk and we had a wheel that he would get into and run.  No pictures but many memories of people’s reactions when they would see him in my shirt pocket.” I would love to have seen that little guy.

John W. told me this: “My most unusual pet was ‘George,’ my South American red-tailed boa constrictor, named after Gov. George Wallace.  George was loved by all during my college days.  He was a real ‘chick magnet.’ A boa constrictor a ‘chick magnet’”? Now, that is strange.

Dave shared this: “An unusual pet I had was Jasper, a young feeder calf. We got him early on in our marriage and would go to where we kept him and feed him, talk to him and take him for walks down the road.”

Not all pets are unusual, of course. John W. says his family has had Yorkshire Terriers for 41 years. (not the same dog, obviously).

Rich L. added: “My favorite pet was a white Maltipoo named Harley. I received her for my 50th birthday.  For twelve years she came with me to the office daily and was the official greeter of my CPA firm.  When clients brought their children to the office, she played with them so that the parents could discuss their tax returns with me. Second favorite, close behind’ is my brown and white Havanese Molly.  She was my 65th birthday present and keeps me company in my semi- retired state. A true emotional support dog and friend.”

Dave again, “My favorite pets are my two Havanese, Evie (gray one) and Toby. Always a bundle of energy (when I am not) and more than willing to greet me with wet kisses and cuddles after getting home from work. A welcome greeting after a long day.”

So, how about you? Do you have a pet? If not, there are lots of furry friends who need loving, forever homes that would love to meet you. Visit your local animal shelter and add unlimited joy to your life.