Pawprints into heaven.

“Judge Wapner’s Animal Court” was an unlikely place for me, a non-animal-lover to work.  When the Executive Producer asked cheerfully, “Since we’re all animal lovers here — and I’m sure we are — just in case there’s someone who objects — is there anyone here who doesn’t want to bring a pet to work?” I was the only one whose hand shot up.   When the Burbank office began to crawl with furry “friends”, I found a low gate designed to keep toddlers out of trouble and strung it across my door.  Only a small mutt named Walter, who’d had his upper lip chewed off by a mean loner dog, burrowed his way into my heart — and that was because when sweet Walter growled, his deformed lip reminded me of a smile and he didn’t scare me.

So — as I was saying — I don’t have an easy rapport with four-legged animals, but I understand the attraction.  A wagging tail, a drooling smile.  Unconditional love after a difficult day.  A family member who’s always there — and doesn’t ask anything more of you than love, some food, and a hug back.

When a friend’s animal passes away, I try to empathize… I know it hurts to lose anyone you love, and even though I’ve never had that deep-seated feeling about any of MY pets, I hate to see a friend in pain. I’m really a scaredy-cat about cats, dogs, horses, and tigers.   (I did love my goldfish I won in the Obon Festival in 4th grade — named “Mary Alice Tiny Fred” — and kept her swimming for a year after her projected expiration date.  When we finally found “MATF” floating on the surface of her tiny round bowl, I remember crying real tears of sorrow.  So I do get it.)

A kind condolence, with a four-legged friend as well as a human. can mean a lot.  Now that there are greeting cards for  animals who’ve passed away, it’s even easier to show you care.

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Have you ever sent  — or received — a condolence card for a pet?  Did it make you or the recipient feel better?