Dogs have always been a part of my life. When I was four years old I got an empty crate from Santa that told my brother and I to rescue a dog - and just like that Gus was a part of our family. Gus was my first real responsibility, as I had to promise my dad my brother and I would take care of him and walk him.
When Gus was a puppy he was extremely riled up all the time, so much that the rescue shelter we got him at named him "Slick" because he kept breaking out of his crate! When we brought him home he was hyper and always wanted to play. I remember being scared to play on my swing set because he would try to bite my feet as I was swinging. He taught me how to be patient and diligent with loving him.
When he was six months old two dogs attacked him while he was on a walk. They were not on a leash and repeatedly bit Gus. Ever since that day he was never able to get along with any other dogs. Ever. This was when I realized he was truly part of the family. I felt empathy for him in a way one defends another who has no voice. I understood he had been through a traumatic experience and my whole family wanted to compensate for that the rest of his life. Not to mention how he had a breakdown every time it thundered.
As Gus got older his health severely declined. It was presumed that he had had a stroke in his sleep, which then caused his back legs to limp. This was when I started to realize he wouldn't be around forever. He was getting older, and even though we kept him in very good shape, we knew one day we'd have to live without him.
It was towards the end that Gus really taught me about compassion. He was the only pet I had ever had and he had been around since I could remember, so his absence scared me because of the change it would bring. He was in pain, so much so to the point that my dad was giving him shots of morphine every day. I don't think you've experienced heartbreak until you see your pet in detrimental pain, and there's nothing you can really do about it. He passed peacefully and he was finally not in pain anymore.
Pets teach us compassion. Pets teach us how to love and to trust someone so much, like they trust us. They grace our lives for a short time but provide so many happy memories and life lessons along the years. Growing up with a family pet is teaching your children lessons that will stick with them forever. How to love and care being the most important.
