Perhaps my last entry seemed like a real downer. Woe is me, my pet heifer might die before her time, and I have all that money invested in her. Boo hoo.
But wait, many of you have dogs or cats in whom you have invested more money that I have put into the buying and raising of Jody, right? Just to keep a dog in heart-worm medicine and flea-and-tick preventative each month costs more than many retirees are able to afford.
We all worry and fret about our pets, buying them the best dog food possible and giving them treats and toys and spoiling them. When they die, we shed some tears and move on. We don't tally up how much they have cost us over the years. Yes, some of them do die before their time, and that is especially sad.
There is this advantage to having cows as pets: Sometimes you can cut your losses and butcher them if it looks like they are suffering, as long as they are healthy. I'm sure that is unthinkable to city folks, but once that meat is in the freezer wrapped in white butcher paper, it isn't my pet any more.
I know the cost of having any pet is high. I loved having all of mine. But now they are no longer in my budget. Most of the time I'm just thankful I can take care of myself. Treasure your pets while you have them.
ReplyDeleteThat little cow is so dang cute ~
ReplyDeleteYears ago I would have recoiled in horror at the idea of butchering a pet.
ReplyDeleteLately, since I've been caring for eight stray cats, my feelings have changed. Every time I look at them, I wonder how they would taste in a burrito or a stew.
Am I joking? Yea, maybe. But I've sure been spending a helluva lot of money on cat food...and I should get something in return.....
That cow is gorgeous! Great shot!
ReplyDeleteThat is definitely the way you have to look at it.
ReplyDelete