Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

I have heard stories of why people live longer than animals. They are funny and interesting. My belief is that our pets come and stay with us and give us joy and love. They are allowed to die to teach us to deal with the loss of someone we love.

Whether it was that first goldfish that you ignored to death because you were too young to have a puppy or kitten. Or the hamster you were given on your birthday. Your first dog may have been the one that “followed” you home at the end of the rope you tied to them. Either way, they were yours.

She was a ball of fur when she came to live with us. The steps to the deck were too high for this tiny pup. After a few tries she had it down. The grands came that first weekend and they loved her. They gave her the name Reese. She was black and brown like a Reese’s cup.

For several years she was Lilly’s buddy. A year ago, we took in another dog that needed a new home. Biscuit was to be Reese’s friend when Lilly died. Now Lilly and Biscuit will learn to be the two dogs in our home.

I see the commercials wanting us to send money every month to support the ASPCA. We don’t do that. We bring an animal into our lives to love, protect, and cherish. In return, they provide love, protection, and admiration for us. I’ve heard it said that you can tell what kind of a person someone is by how their dog acts when they come home.

Reese was the first of the three at the door to the garage to greet us. She wanted to be on your lap or at your feet. She taught us about the “petting seat.” We had to housebreak her from pup hood, but she taught us so much more. She never met a person she did not want to love. Everyone at the front door was barked at. She went out the door to say hello and wagged her stubby tail to show how happy she was to see you.

Trila Kay was the first dog she noticed on the television. After that, the channel had to be changed when a show had dogs or even other animals on it that she wanted to come through the window and play with her.

She has had it rough for the last few months. All but four of her teeth had to be pulled and no antibiotic stopped the infection that those rotten teeth caused. Remember that even dogs need to have their teeth checked before they cause worse problems.

The last thing I did last night was lay her in her bean bag bed. At some point, she moved to the door to the deck as if she wanted to go outside. That was where Cindy found her when she realized she could not hear her labored breathing. She will be greatly missed.

I’ve been thinking about writing stories about all the animals we have cared for. Each had their own doganality or animality.  Reece will be just one chapter of that book and she will not be the last to find herself there. God only knows how much more love He can send to our home.

©Copyright 2023 by Charles Kensinger