Life can be hard for Furry Military Family Members!
While it is true all military life is hard, it can specially be true of pets. Too many end up in shelters for so many sad reasons. This isn’t because military families are heartless, often it is the last thing they want to do but one can’t just deploy to Iraq and leave Spot to fend for himself at home.
This is one of the reasons why when a friend asked us to babysit her cat while she goes to Afghanistan next month we agreed. It will be for over a year and I know our friend will miss her furry loved one very much and I know this 3 year old cat will miss her Person too. They will be together again though, we will do all we can to make that happen. We will try to make this a fun year for Ceri Cat and hopefully her Person will not worry too much about her!
If your a military family, have a plan!
I can’t say I have been the greatest about this personally, but thankfully it has not been so much an issue for us. I was glad when my friend was thinking about a pet she considered this and asked around if others would support her pet interest. She is single so couldn’t count on a spouse to support her pet while she is away, that left family and friends often who live far away. Military friends you see tend to move… a lot.
So her plan was simple, no matter where I move to, she would some how get her cat to me if need be. Now I can’t say my landlord knows just yet…. but come on, we have a cat in the lease already, and 2 dogs, and even chickens. One more cat for year, for such an honorable reason can’t be an issue right? Ok, so I am betting on better forgiveness than permission at this point. Did I mention I suck at planning?
When all else fails…. this cat looks just like my daughters cat, all black and mini-panther like.
Don’t look at me that way…. this is for a good cause! Ok, I should have asked first but I made a promise. We will move if we must darn it!
Support the Troops and Their Pets!
If you know if a military family perhaps offer your support to them and let them know you can pet sit for a weekend or if they have to go away for a week of training! Ask if they need someone to feed their fish or take care of their hamster! Knowing their is support around does the heart good and soldiers who feel supported can focus better on their jobs. Thanks for caring!
