Oh to Live in Japan

I saw in the news the other day that a firm in Japan is offering a pet allowance of $9/month to all pet owners. Seems they really are part of the family. Now if only they would do that here as well. While it may not completely pay for Azrael's food it would certainly help out. Supposedly, another company there even offers bereavement days for the loss of a pet. Wonder if they get paid for that.

Hearing Voices

A little while ago I was looking for something on Yahoo and stumbled across the question as to why people talk to their pets. Clearly the person asking saw them as nothing more then animals and thought that talking to them had no value. That made me a little angry... or at least defensive. I talk to Azrael all the time.... I realize that he has no idea what I am saying. But he can tell by the tone and inflection whether or not it's positive or negative. Don't worry I am not going to be one of those crazy cat ladies with a house of cats.

There is a lot to be said for pet therapy. Now you have to find the pet that is right for you... but it is very rewarding. They say that pets will match the personality of the owner. That sounds about right. Azrael is relaxed and gentle but every once in a while will go psychotic. *lol* Pets are full of unconditional love. They don't judge you for what you say (It helps when they don't understand... I suppose someone who doesn't speak your language might also have value *lol*) and are just there for you.

Morning Ritual

This morning was like most other mornings. Shortly after I woke up Azrael was right there curling up beside me. He wanted his morning dose of love and adoration. As he is nestled in beside me I realize that what he wants is just that sense of touch. What is it about the sense of touch? It is reassuring. It is therapeutic. It's about love.

I think that everyone longs for that sense of touch... even the people that seem to flinch when you touch them. Everyone craves that sense of touch. We want to be reassured. We want to be loved. And there is just something therapeutic about the touch of another.

I have to draw some of my examples from a cat. But I have seen how he responds to touch. Azrael will wag his tail when he's happy. His face just lights up. And he comes running to me. He doesn't always want me to pet him. Sometimes he just wants to be held. It's not just humans that respond to the sense of touch. Azrael does as well. Right now he is holding my hand.

We all need someone to hold us, reassure us, or even just give us a pat on the back every once in a while. Speaking of a therapeutic touch I am long overdue for a visit with the chiropractor.