I often wonder why some folks become more attached to animals than others, and I make no value judgments about it. I think it is just a difference not unlike other traits. How do we choose companions of any kind? What makes a friendship? Who do we love? I am certain that the more we learn of animals the more they seem differently conscious - not necessarily less conscious. No, they don’t write sonnets or build skyscrapers, but they are aware, and they do connect, at least for me.

As a society we value human life more than that of animals, I understand that. But then, as a society we have often valued similar humans more than those who were different in some way. Other seems always to mean lesser, until we learn otherwise.

As in most anything, we make and apply our own meanings. For me, the attachments I had to the pets in my family were very deep, the bonds very real, and so the soul searching, and grief are quite poignant.

I am aware that not everyone shares my world view, and that is fine. I don’t think pain or loss can be compared from person to person. We are not allotted a portion of love or pain for any particular experience - we just feel, we just live, and we must also learn to let go. Live, love, let go. Learning to do it thoughtfully, gracefully and whole heartedly seems to be the biggest lesson we can learn.

My Young Earth friend and I have commiserated over several cats in our time together. One of his cats actually died in front of me, in the arms of my wife, while he was at work.

I’d never confront him at such times as to his position of the prospects of animal family members in heaven. He knows that he is going, and is doing his best to lead his family and friends. He’s given me up as incorrigible. Yet we stay friends.