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Saturday, May 16, 2015

"Pet"

The family had a dog when I was little.  She loved me, I loved her, and that's pretty much the way it is with dogs.  She was a rather smelly little dog to tell the truth because she spent most of her time in the river and woods and lived outside, but I didn't care too much.  Her little heart was full to bursting with unconditional love, the only problem with that is she unconditionally loved others too.  I wanted a pet all of my own.

I collected animals.  I tried to save motherless birds, caught critters in the woods, netted fish... but none of them gave me the love I craved.  Wild animals stay wild even if you contain them.  Sure, the fish in my fish tank perked up when I showed up, but they might've just been hungry.

Dad had a big fish tank with tropical fish.  I enjoyed the bright fish but they were Dad's, and quite frankly, not as smart as my river fish.  Even so, I enjoyed going to the fish store to look at the exotics.  One day Dad said I could pick the fish we'd take home.  Now I'm not stupid, even though I was a pretty small little kid at that time.  I could pick something out, but unless it was something Dad felt like buying we weren't going to get it.

I picked a turtle.

If you're old enough, you'll remember the little green turtles they used to sell.  They don't sell them any more because they carry salmonella.  Damned shame.  They're adorable, and when I made eye contact through the glass it was love at first sight for both of us.

I tugged and pulled at Dad and showed him my heart's desire.  He wavered.  I could tell he was tempted to give in to me.  Mom made it quite clear that turtles weren't fish.  She can be just plain wrong-headed about pets, but I am nothing if not single-minded sometimes.  I wanted the turtle.  I needed the turtle.  The turtle wanted and needed me.

First real victory of my life was cradling my Chinese food container with said turtle looking up at me on the ride home.  Love.  It cradled my finger with its gentle claws.

Yeah, yeah, yeah parental instructions about food, water, all your responsibility, don't blame us if it dies... blah, blah, blah.  I already fed and watered the dog every day for my nickel/week allowance.  I understood daily care.  More than that, I needed someone to care for, and the turtle allowed me to pour my love into it.

I hunted for my turtle every day.  I gave it worms, grubs, minnow, and berries.  We took walks together.  It basked on my forehead.  I kissed it on the mouth and didn't die of salmonella.  It was the best loved turtle ever, and I gave it the best life a captured turtle can live.  I cried at the compost pile funeral years later.

That little green turtle will always be a part of my heart.  Maybe all of my turtle art is a tribute to it.  This piece is cut paper and hangs on my wall where I can see it every day.

Thank you to everyone who sent out good wishes and prayers for Danny.  He is recovering, and is doing so well they sent him home.  I was focused on my concerns for him when I was shaken this week by the sudden death my brother's life-long friend.  You can see Gary's obit hereI can't express how sorry I am for everyone who loved him.

11 comments:

  1. Someone told me she couldn't get her comment to post so I'm giving it a shot to see what happens. Anyone know what might be the problem?

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  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. Well this explains the turtle obsession... I guess I never realized the extent of the love affair. You're amazing with cut paper it's a wonderful piece!

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  4. It's not an obsession, but it's one part of my turtle appreciation. I'm glad to see you were able to post a comment. I've been told that there are still problems, but I don't know what to do about it. All the settings look correct. Help?

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    1. I didn't have a problem, maybe just a glitch and all is well now?

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    2. Hoping that's all it is. Thanks for letting me know.

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  5. Oh my. Another funeral. So sorry.

    Pets are so beloved. They are our most loyal companions. I sure wished they lived longer too.

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    1. I know, that's too many funerals for me in the last several months. Hopefully everybody else will stay alive! Thanks for sympathies.

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  6. This post is named 'Pet' but it should be 'Love'.
    I loved to read your turtle story. And your the message of the healing of Danny and condolences for Gary are full love and kindness too.

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    1. Thanks so much Paula. Love is great, but grief is the price we have to pay sometimes. At least we get to keep our memories!

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  7. Gorgeous cut paper turtle! My goodness, that is mighty fine detailed work. I remember those tiny turtles. I never had one, but my friend had several. They were so adorable. Yours was definitely well loved, for sure.

    What an emotional whiplash week for you. I'm glad to hear about your friend Danny. But I'm also so very sad to hear about your friend Gary. My condolences to you and his friends and family.

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