Pet Therapy

As a child I always wanted a pet of my own. I wanted the responsibility and the fun of caring for something that was completely mine. Alas it never happened. We had a family dog but Angel and I (the dog) just did not see eye to eye. In fact I dare say we hated each other. She used to run away on a regular basis when I opened the door and was quite the obnoxious bastard to retrieve. It was just not meant to be for us. At 17 I got myself some goldfish - I named them Alice Cooper and Schnoodle. Clearly the best fish names ever. However after a few months Alice Cooper got caught in the fake sea bush and died. Shnoodle committed fishicide a few days later of a broken heart. I loved those fish and was quite sad, especially while giving them a proper toilet flushing ceremony. I did not have a pet again, pet ownership was just not in the cards for me.

A few months ago Babylove began asking for a pet, she was ready for the role of 'mommy' to a furry friend of her own. She begged, pleaded, bargained and even told me once or twice I was rude for not accepting her offer to "love it forever" if I just allowed a pet. I was set against it, I am not home enough for a dog. I think cats are arrogant and I was still not healed from my fish experience as a teen. I had just about given up on all pet possibilities when a co worker offered up her hamster. I was hesitant, hamsters appeared messy and reminded me of mice and rats of which I am not a fan. I took the leap of faith however and we entered into an open adoption of Caramel. Babylove promptly changed her name to Merida (after Disney's most recent princess). Babylove was immediately in love with Merida, she loved watching her, feeding her and talking to her excitedly about how her day at school went. I was neutral about Merida, she was there and part of the family but nothing to get excited about...or so I thought. It was only a day or two before I caught myself watching Merida run in her wheel for an hour at a time and petting her referring to myself as "mommy". It had hit me , I too was in love with Merida. I felt like a kid again, the joy of waking up each day and strolling by her cage on the way to the coffee "Good morning Merida, Mommy loves you" "Good morning Merida, how was your sleep!"

Having Merida in our home has been such a welcomed presence. She lights up our day and has taught Babylove responsibilities. I am now a firm believer in pet therapy. Thank you Merida!