I have survived another knee replacement and have healed remarkably well.  I didn’t need as many pain medications, and my physical therapy is proceeding quite well.  When I got home from the rehabilitation center, I was profoundly touched by my two pets.  Their unconditional love overwhelmed me.

The most beautiful gift I could possibly have received was the tiny, loving voice of my cat, Mikie.  He would not leave my side, and he even slept with me every night.  Several days later, my beloved dog, Sammy, came home from his vacation at the kennel.  He was so excited to see me that I found it hard to say to him, “Sammy, watch out for mom’s knee.”  These past two and a half weeks were the longest we have ever been apart, and he’s been such a blessing since my husband passed away six years ago.  Now all three of us are inseparable.

What profoundly strikes me is how much our pets are such blessings when we are sick.  They don’t ask for much, just food and love.  What we get in return is unadorned caring and protection.  They truly are our best friends; all they want to do is make our lives more beautiful.  For all they do for us, we owe them our undying faith, love, and companionship.  When we feel the worst we possibly can, they look at us and say, “I’ve got your back, mom.”  And maybe, we owe them a pat on their heads or an extra long snuggle on the sofa!

Anna Hartt