A Tiny Best Friend

A Tiny Best Friend: It seemed like 17th July 2021 would be like any other day, when I had gone to visit my grandmother’s house. But, upon arriving, I was introduced to two tiny creatures. My aunt had found these two kittens, soaked in the rain, and without any sustenance. One of these two screaming banshees was to be under my care, and who is now a primary source of my happiness.

He was too tiny for his age, filled with fleas and other health issues. But, he had the most beautiful eyes, that were blue like a starless midnight sky. It has been a month or so since bringing him home, and after an immense amount of love and care, he has grown into quite the handsome feline. Even though he can be a nuisance at times, he has filled my home with joy and has even become my best friend. This is only one of the magical things about living with a pet, as I’m sure all pet owners can relate.

[ A Tiny Best Friend ]

Best Friend Cat : Photo credit - Ashfia Nahreen on Instagram
Photo credit – Ashfia Nahreen on Instagram

Throughout my life, my sister and I had several different kinds of animals as pets, whether it was a stray we found on the street, or it was bought from Katabon. Regardless of where they come from, you now have to be responsible for the health and happiness of these helpless little
creatures.

No matter what species an animal is, the care of a mother is essential for all, especially if they are newborn, or only a few months old. In most cases, these animals were separated from their mothers at a young age, thus they require that much extra care.

When I brought my tiny kitten home, he would scream day and night. It left me confused and worried, if he was hungry or if he was in pain. However, I soon realized he craved the warmth that he otherwise would have got from his mother, so I started letting him sleep beside me on my bed.

[ A Tiny Best Friend ]

His cries eased, knowing he was safe and warm, and thus he could sleep peacefully. So, no matter what species the animal is, love is a basic necessity for them, along with food and shelter. Like any living thing on the planet, you will face some challenges in taking care of your pets too.

Prerona is a proud mother of her dog, Hash, who is a Lhasa. She not only took care of Hash since she was four months old, but tended to Hash’s puppies as well. Having a pet comes with the constant worry of whether they are okay. For Prerona, these worries are heightened whenever she goes out and has to leave Hash at home.

Most times, you will find your pet sleeping quietly in a corner of the house, but the concerns still hover at the back of your mind as you think of every possible worst case scenario. Potty training a pet also poses a huge challenge, as they try to figure out their new home. Prerona mentions that Hash would use all corners of the house as her bathroom, until she finally fixated on one area.

[ A Tiny Best Friend ]

When Hash had her puppies, Prerona would also have to run around, cleaning their excrements. She states that taking care of these puppies is almost similar to the care that goes into newborn babies. A good precaution would be to keep small objects out of the pet’s reach and move things, such as shoes, to a place that is higher above the floor. These challenges are inevitable, so one must prepare themselves to face these before getting a pet.

Best Friend Cat : Photo credit - Ashfia Nahreen on Instagram
Photo credit – Ashfia Nahreen on Instagram

A common misconception most people seem to have is that having a pet is a one-sided relationship. You give them food and love, and you get nothing in return. However, this is not true in the slightest. Like humans, these animals feel emotions as well.

They feel happiness and sadness, just like we do, and these emotions become apparent from close observations of their behaviours. My kitten and I do not speak remotely the same language, however, we always seem to have an understanding between us.

There are instances when he would softly purr and climb onto my lap, which indicates that he feels safe, and it is also a way for him to show his affection towards me. Prerona’s dog, Hash, would try to share some of her food with Prerona to show her appreciation for being fed. After a while of living with your pet, you would become acquainted with such behaviours of theirs.

[ A Tiny Best Friend ]

But, it still fills my heart from the first time my kitten softly licked my face as a sign of his love to the hundredth time he has done it. Thus, if you show your pet how much you love them, they will also find their own ways to show you how much they love you.

A pet can be as rewarding for the owner, as it is for the pet. They serve as a form of round the clock entertainment, even when they are sleeping. When I feel stressed from piles of assignments, sometimes I take a break and just watch my kitten sleep. He always sleeps in the most amusing positions, and I find my stress and anxiety subside from the rhythm of his soft purrs.

Prerona also mentions that Hash greets her with excitement whenever she comes home, and falls asleep wrapped up in the clothes that still carry Prerona’s scent. The feeling of a pet’s loyalty and love is incomparable to any other feeling in the world, as it is one of the most pure forms of love and affection.

I would encourage everyone to adopt one of their own, with proper research beforehand. A lot of these animals, that are strays, face much abuse and neglect on the street. But, once adopted they will be forever grateful for the love and care they are surrounded
by.

Author: Tasnia Naureen

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