It's funny really, how we build a relationship with our animals. I was just on the phone with my folks, and recounted some experiences with animals that have passed away. I don't mean any disrespect to the animals that I have, but relationships exist between individuals and animals just like they do among people. In my current absence of a relationship with a member of the opposite sex, I've discovered some things. Animals are very expressive. Secondly, they have a pretty good judge of character. I would no longer entertain a relationship with someone that didn't like cats. That has always turned out bad. Strangely, those experiences have involved someone that liked dogs that were just like cats. What the heck is up with that?

Some animals make and accept a bond that is beyond what some people will allow. My Great Dane Soren, did not like my first wife. He had to go through extra training to accept her, and it turns out he was right from the beginning. He would sit with me on the couch, and she would venture to sit down... on the other side of an eight-foot couch. He would give her 'the face.' His jowls would curl, and he would growl subtly deep in his belly in a way that would indicate that she was not welcome. I wish I would have listened to him sooner.

He didn't have the same feeling for my second wife. Ok, we are all allowed our mistakes. However, in both cases when I was broken down over the situation, he stood next to me. He always knew when he was needed. My mom visited us before Annie was born, and decided to take Soren for a walk. She found herself at a point where she didn't know how to get home. Soren brought her home. Even at the end, he looked at me with those big eyes, and told me that he was there for me, and was trying to help. He gave so much more to me than I could ever have given to him.

Sandy, the mutt cat did the same. She hated everyone. When Annie was little, I would ask her what sounds animals made, and she would do a great rendition. If I asked her what sound Sandy made, she would make this angry face, and go "hisssssssss." Unfortunately, that was correct. She could learn to tolerate some people, but she only loved and felt comfortable with one person. No, that's not right, two people. She loved me, and Annie's namesake from whom I inherited her. I am proud to say that I am in good company. When no one was around, she would walk out and talk to me. She loved to snuggle more than any cat I've ever known.

Well, at any rate, to turn the tears from my eyes on these fond memories, I will never understand how people can not bond with animals. Perhaps they have a gift that I do not. Animals communicate with me in a way that people never have. When I was six, maybe seven, I was talking to a squirrel that I was holding in my hand. My sister saw it and screamed out that I shouldn't do that. The squirrel bit me and ran off. We were fine before that.

One time the pigs got out. How old was I? 9? 10? I got them all back. I just talked to them. They got it. There must have been at least twenty sows, but they all went back. When Valentine the cow was born, it was February (hence the name). She was abandoned when I found her. I took care of her, and I talked to her. I would like to believe that is why she hung on until Dad got home, and we re-introduced her to her mother.

I remember these influences, and am sorry about the ones I don't. Some of them I was closer to than others. I guess that is what happens not only with animals, but people. There were others, but I can remember a contact and a relationship that was special with many that I didn't share with the others. Sam, Bandit, Spotty, Cherrokee and then there was a break... Soren, Sandy, and now Lilo. It is a challenge to deal with. How do we allow ourselves to develop a relationship with something that doesn't live as long as we do?

I guess we just accept it, and enjoy the time we have. I wonder, is it any different with people?

Puzzled...