Loyality

Today is agony from the moment it started and the weather has depressed me further. However it has come with one very pleasant surprise. The loyalty of my pets Oreo, Rosie and Phoenix especially.

My old and long gone pair of cat and dog Puddin and Jasper were notorious for defending me when I was ill to the point Puddin used to sit on my chest whilst Jasper was at my feet growling, if ever I was too ill to move despite my own natural instinct to keep going. They were so good at this Mum used to know what to do if ever she caught Puddin on my chest, normal phone my work and then the doctors. But the next generation are still a little green round the paws in these skill. Up till now they had shown no inclination of continuing the practise until these last few days. Slowly they have picked up the mantel to the point today they have blatantly been taking shifts sitting with me.

By sitting with me, I don't mean the usual bed hogging that all, especially Phoenix are legendary at. Instead they wait till I am comfortable, which can take a while, then settling either beside me or along the painful joints that needed extra heat. Oreo and Rosie have even taking to light growling when I am asleep to keep people away. To some people this could be seen as weird, even slightly dangerous, but to me it is a great comfort. It means if I am in total agony they will also raise the alarm when I can't.

The reason I am more grateful for this, is the fact it is very much an acceptance from the animals that I am the alpha of the pack, so it is in their interest to ensure I recover quickly. Any one who has a multi animal household particularly where cats and dogs are involved, you need to maintain that status as the pack mentality will kick in. As the owner your need to hold the alpha position to maintain the authority. I have gained this position not through force or dominance, but by building trust and confidence. So this pattern of behaviour for me is an honour to receive, not to mention a cheap way of keeping the muscles warm.

As pet owners, people often expect the wrong thing from their pets, they aren't toys or fashion statements as I have seen in many. You have to give love unconditionally, spend hours teaching them acceptable behaviour and most of all listen and watch them carefully as they  can't tell you what is wrong. All I have ever asked of mine is they are loyal to both each other and the rest of the family. Today these three proved this unconditionally, and in an animal you can't ask for more. Especially as they have sacrificed their own daily routine to do so, particularly Phoenix who loves to go out and about the neighbourhood. I just pray in the future I will repay their confidence to the same level. But for tonight it will be proper chicken for dinner for all of them.