Ixora Press

If only their lives were longer.

The Secret Love of Pets is a poem for all those who dread the day their beloved four legged and furry or winged family member must move on. For many of us (if not all), pets are not animals that we keep at home, they’re family. You just have to take a look at social media to see how it has been flooded with videos of people’s pets being…well, human-like. They throw tantrums like toddlers (and some adults). They’re mischievous, playful, demanding, petty, needy, loving and soft when they want to be and we’re all here for it. They are our companions, our security and for many people, the reason to get up in the morning and soldier on.

I will admit though, the title of the poem is not true. Their love isn’t secret at all. They are small packages of love and affection for their humans.

The following is the final verse of the poem from Reflections of Love, Life & Loss:

“It is so unfair that I should muddle on for so long

But your little beating heart must soon end its loving song

You are my precious gem and the apple of each eye

I’ll hold on to your love even after you say goodbye.”

How does this verse make you feel?

If you could and it was possible, what would you do to ensure that your beloved pets lived on with you to the end?

Tell me in the comments. Feel free to post a photo or a video of you and your pets – or perhaps I should say, your non-human family.

(Mood photo created by AI)