For the love of our four-legged friends Through lockdown
We are so grateful for the purpose, companionship, and unconditional love we received during shielding and Beyond from our dog- Mush and cat Montie.My husband Scott and I always wanted pets. We have both had a love of animals from a young age; I grew up on a farm with dogs and cats and all things great and small whilst Scott had a Loyal German Shepherd called Sunny who accompanied Him throughout his Childhood. It was whilst on holiday that he got the opportunity to bond with two fully grown huskies. He described them as beautiful, gentle, and elegant as they walked alongside him in his chair. This feeling of respect and loyalty stayed with him, so he always had Dreams of having a husky of his own. As a couple Who experience physical and mental health barriers and require significant support with day-to-day living, we nevertheless had an abundance of love, care and nurturing to share.
We were first privileged to give a forever home to Monty, a black rescue cat who had grown up on the streets of Gloucestershire. The superstition around the Unlucky nature of black cats Plus some continuing health issues meant that he remained unadopted for some considerable time. This was serendipity and incredibly lucky for us as he came to live with us three years ago. He spent the first week under the bed as he learnt to trust us and get to know his new surroundings until, in the middle of the night, he decided to stroll confidently across our pillows and faces!
From that day on he has very much become the ruler of his kingdom and of his Subjects – us! (this includes putting Mush With all his puppy charms and infinite excitement firmly in his place.)
Montie is a mummy’s boy and if he had his way, he would never leave my side as this picture illustrates. Every night he sleeps on my hip as if he knows that it gives me a lot of pain and discomfort through the night, and he wishes to stay close and protect me with his healing purring. Each morning he sits on my chest and attempts to share my coffee, setting me up for the day with his love and devotion. As I stroke his soft Fur, I know that we have each other’s back no matter what!Scott’s dream came true when his extensive research revealed a breed called a Ponsky: a cross between an Alaskan toy husky’s enthusiasm, intelligence, and desire to be part of a pack with the short legs and structure of a Pomeranian. Mush travelled all the way back from his native home in Wales on Scott’s lap and from that point the pair have been practically Inseparable. Although mush is our beloved pet, we are implementing some elements of assistance dog training so that we will be able to walk him and fulfil all his needs independently as team peacock. This training can take many years of dedication as it relies on the strength of the bond between Scott, Mush, and me. Our bond must be so strong that he actively chooses to listen and respond to our vocal commands and gets as much excitement from pleasing us as we do for making him happy. It is a contract of love transmitted mainly through Eye Contact that demonstrates and reinforces the love and commitment we all have for One another, a truly precious gift That Sustains us as a family.
“True unconditional love,” says Scott. “No matter what doubts I have in my limitations, he lets me know that as long as I maintain my intense love and respect for him, he Will give it back to me in spades.”
We are so grateful for the purpose, companionship, and unconditional love we received during shielding and Beyond from our dog- Mush and cat Montie. They love us as we love them, free of judgement or prejudice that is precious and means the world to us all.
By Katie Peacock, Gloucester
