Forgotten on Valentine’s Day

Our family had a fun Valentine’s Day together but all day long, I had the feeling I was forgetting something. Dinner was prepared and little tokens of love were bought and made, but something was missing. Or someone.

It wasn’t until I was sitting on our daughter’s bed, reading her an Olivia Valentine’s book that we gave her as a gift, that it hit me. In this book, Olivia makes personal Valentine’s for everyone, but she keeps feeling like she has forgotten someone. At the end of the day, she remembers that she forgot her pets.

Face palm.

I forgot our two cats.

Now if you are a regular reader who doesn’t follow along on my Facebook page, you are probably thinking. ‘Don’t they have three cats?’.

We did.

A few weeks ago, our brave and ever so docile mother cat we rescued was recently euthanized at two years old due to severe health problems that we, and our vet, weren’t able to figure out or resolve after numerous tests and treatments.

This was a sad time for all of us, and I think it hit me the hardest. Funny as it may sound, but I understood her and together, I think we had an amazing bond based on similarities. We both had two daughter’s living at home, and they drove us nuts at times. We would just kind of look at each other now and then with that look that says ‘You’re not alone, kids ARE crazy!’.

So, you can imagine the absolute failure I felt like when I realized that I forgot to acknowledge her two motherless kittens (now cats) on Valentine’s Day. I think this was the point in my children’s story when I eagerly turned the page to find out how Olivia (and therefor, I) could rectify this situation.

‘You can tell them you love them and give them some treats’.

This book was great. It was like the perfect manual for imperfect pet owners.

That night, I sat down with both of our amazing cats and told them that we loved them. I told them that their mother was so brave and that she loved them too. Then, I gave them each a kiss, and a treat.

Our cats do have it rather good every (other) day of the year though, and they know it. They have two kids around who are always willing to play with them both indoors and out. Each cat has their own uncovered litterbox that is cleaned out daily with an odour neutralizing product like Arm & Hammer™  Clump and Seal™ Complete Odour Sealing Clumping Litter. They have family who love them, and they are never lacking attention when they want it.

Okay, maybe you can love something too much!

So in my moment of pet owner-guilt, I remember that, and I resolve to do better next year.

A note on Arm & Hammer™ Clump and Seal™ Complete Odour Sealing Clumping Litter: This cat Litter first seals, and then detroys odours for a 7- day odour free home, guaranteed! Remove clumps & solid waste daily to keep the rest of the litter box fresh.

Disclosure: I am a working with Church & Dwight as an ambassador. I receive products and compensation as part of my role. The opinions are my own.

Sheri Landry

Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities.

www.thisbirdsday.com