Thanks to Jim Willis, author of Pieces of My Heart for this reminder that Valentines Day is not always a happy event. Just like our furfriends, we need to be aware of the people around us and note if there is a problem we can help them with.
I’ll be running Jim’s new story here on the blog tomorrow. Also, I did an extensive interview with Jim some time back and it looks like it will be ready for the blog very soon. Keep your nose in the air for that one!
You may know that I am the victim of a suicide, as are some of my friends. It is a life-changing event, it is life-guilt-producing. I am sorry to say that some who have turned to animals for the love that no human ever provided for them can be at risk. The holidays are always difficult for the abandoned, and the day that commerates love could be particularly painful. Please pay attention to your family, friends and neighbors who might display any disturbing signs (which might require you being informed on the topic)..And recognize the unconditional, incomparable love that a pet can provide for the lonely.
Don’t worry. My story has a happy ending.
If there is anyone in your life who you think may be at risk, please get informed, please participate more in their life and the lives of any animals under their care. You can pretend to care, but you can’t pretend to be there for them. Your local city, county, and state resources are available to you for professional advice, as well as everything available on the web that covers all 50 States, including this site.
Thanks for caring and have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
P.S. I know that this message, thanks to my address book, will go around the world, and I dedicate this effort to my beloved Uncle Leo who died today, and who had one of the greatest senses of humor I’ve ever known. When I was a little boy, he told me that he couldn’t watch “Wild Kingdom” on TV because of the smell, or toothpaste commercials, because they spit on his livingroom floor…and I believed him! He loved life and we should all, too.
