What You Eating, Dog?
A look at the food bowl
Holidays are weird. Though today is all about dog food (and, wait, what?), this prompt is about all animal food — whatever kind of pet you cherish.
Maybe everything is lovingly hand-made, or perhaps your budget barely affords the bottom of the barrel. Is there a snack they love most? Or a heartfelt memory of them that just blows you away?
Kitty’s last meal was unforgettable. He hadn’t been allowed to eat any of his favorite foods for months, on account of his kidneys failing faster than before. He had been going south for a couple weeks, and the trajectory was clear: there wasn’t much time left. To save him further excruciating pain, the family decided to give him a proper send off. A final loving goodbye to take with him to whatever lies beyond.
We took turns sitting with him, his frail body feebly weaving between the rooms when he felt crowded. As the time narrowed in on the appointment, I set about cooking a whole pound of bacon — not for him to eat alone, but because if I didn’t cook it then, it would likely rot before we thought of it again.
The small plate was packed with all the goods: half piled with chipped up bits of bacon, a small pile of crunched up Cheese-Its, some cheese curls, and a few tiny bits of gouda. Enough salt to shut down his kidneys for good, though we wouldn’t make him suffer through that. He would have a peaceful passing. As peaceful as we could make it, anyway.
I’ll never forget his eyes when he sniffed at the plate and jerked his head up to silently ask, “Really?! Are you sure?!” before diving face first into the salty goodness. I wished I could have given him that feeling every day. For nearly 20 years, he had been with me, suffering through my immaturities and insecurities. He deserved far more than we could give him, but heartily accepted the platter we provided without question.
Rest in peace, Kitty-kins. I hope wherever you are now is filled with balcony goodness and cheese-tastic wonder.
A good meal goes a long way.
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