Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Petlife.
A penny for your thoughts
I had no idea what I was thinking when I suddenly found myself opening the door to our neighborhood ASPCA. At best I was looking for a friend who wouldn’t betray me. A confidant who wouldn’t tell my secrets. A protector who wouldn’t let anything or anyone get the best of me. At worst we’d see each other’s bad habits and hopefully just be there for each other.
By Hoyt Douglas Battles5 years ago in Petlife
Luna, Luna Lou, Looney, Lunatic
I did not get my cat, Luna, from a rescue organization or shelter. I still consider her a rescue, however. She was part of a litter born to my ex-girlfriend’s feral cat. Technically, the mama was no longer feral since the ex brought her in from her previous apartment, but she displayed all the typical feral behaviors. She kept hidden and was distrustful of most humans. I was one of the humans she seemed to trust so she let me see her kittens and hold them. I’ve always been fond of cats. Except for two short spans of time in my life, I have always had a cat. When Luna came into my life, she ended the second span of several months without a cat. I had told Melissa (the ex-girlfriend) might be ready for another cat, but at the time I had a roommate with a cat allergy. I also wasn’t sure I was ready for another cat.
By Tom Stasio5 years ago in Petlife
Dream Dog
Hi, my name is Kristy and I am writing a true story about my dream dog and how she became mine. Back in 2012 I had a regretful and heart-breaking decision to make. I had to put my Shar-Pei to sleep. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life and it wasn't a light one at that. Still to this day, I remember the last day I had to say goodbye like it is a bad dream that keeps reoccurring. They say the loss of a loved one gets easier to live with but they don't tell you that it never completely heals or goes away, that the last day you see them and the state their in, or the last hug and kiss you gave and the last goodbye you say to them lingers on in your memories forever more. But the loss does become easier, until you find something that makes you weep like a baby due to the hurt from missing that animal or loved one is brought back up through a story or a scripture on a piece of paper once more.
By Kristy McClymont5 years ago in Petlife
Curious Eyes
From my experience so far in my life, I have found that having the comfort an animal, whether they are great or small, assertive or timid, that they are something to really be appreciated. Yes, your pet will not ask you, "How was your day?" or "Are you okay?" but they will listen if no one else will. They may not hug you as you walk through the door after a long day at work or a full day a school, but they do show their affection and love for you. Your pet becomes a loyal companion, a loving friend.
By Isobel Ackerman5 years ago in Petlife
The Hooker of Jefferson Street
Many years ago, before my best friend D. and I met, he was living in an apartment on Jefferson street. He was attending University and had a full class load and a couple of jobs, so he was fairly busy and usually on the go. Heading out the door on his way to his first class of the day, he heard a little meow and looked down to find a little orange ball of fluff doing figure-8's around his feet. It was a kitten, maybe a year old, with large paws, a large head, and a skinny little body. He looked like he had probably been on his own for a while. Not wanting to be late for class, my friend extricated himself from the aggressive affections of the little creature and went about his business.
By Brittany Dashiell5 years ago in Petlife
5 Animals I'd Love to Adopt if I Owned a Menagerie (and Wasn't Such a Cat Lady)
Maybe you're like me and you watch movies like The Lion King or Zootopia and say, "Gee, I'd love to be surrounded by animals like that all the time. Wouldn't that be fun?" Though I'm not a fan of zoos and the idea of animal captivity, it has crossed my mind more than once that I'd someday love to donate some income towards the goal of sustaining a wildlife preserve somewhere in the world. The work of Joel Sartore first helped me come to this realization in the way his photos capture animals who are so near to disappearing from this earth entirely. Every time I hear about certain species going extinct, my heart clenches a little bit. Given how much good humans are capable of, we should never have to say goodbye to an entire subset of animals, especially if the threats are things we could work to reverse (such as the dangers of climate change and the realities of poaching in certain areas of the world).
By Jillian Spiridon5 years ago in Petlife
My Little Man Daymon
One day I receive a call during what could be called my lunch hour. Being the owner-operator of a K-9 Bed & Breakfast and Doggie Daycare which was based upon and paid for rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of mostly domestic animals, there was not a lot of 'personal time;' however, that in itself was a big part of my personal transformation, time management; however, my personal transformation is another subject and for another time.
By Ahowan ICrow5 years ago in Petlife
It Takes a Thief
The year of masks and social distancing made Maggie long for the touch of another living being. It had been so long since she found anyone she wanted to even have a Zoom date with, but here she is making dinner for someone she just met last weekend. At her home no less!
By Amanda Woomer5 years ago in Petlife
