Every once in a while we have this urge to adopt a dog, and then after talking about it, it all subsides. On the face of it, the reasons for not having a pet seem all practical. However, deep inside, at least as far as I am concerned, I have this huge fear of losing the pet.

I had a cat when I was in my mid teens and had loved it to bits. She (can't say it) was so loyal and attached to us that unless one of the family members fed her and patted her while she was having her meal, she wouldn't touch it in spite of being ravenously hungry. One day she just vanished and a few days later we found her body with a wound to her head.

Then I have heard these heart breaking stories about having to put the pet down because of some terminal illness. That will be too much for me to bear. Hopefully, I will get over this someday and go for a Dog. They add so much to your life.

We have been to the dog shelter in Nyon a few times and come back totally moved. Its so difficult to look away from those dogs who keep looking at you so longingly.

I think all pet owners can sympathise with how you feel Nyonais. We adopt our pets knowing that it is in the nature of things that we will probably outlive them. When the time comes to say good-bye, it hurts deeply, and no matter how often we go through the experience of losing a dearly beloved animal, the pain is just as intense. But we also remember the joy of sharing our lives with our animals, from whom we can learn so much. They ask for so little, but give us so much. I sincerely hope that one day you will be able to share the obvious love you have for them with a very special being who will be waiting just for you. Take care.