Share the love — and maybe a hairball

Where would we be without our four-legged friends?

Those blessed little beasts who stick with us when their two-legged counterparts won’t? Whose duplicity goes no further than a chewed-up shoe or a lick or three at an unguarded butter dish?

The cats and dogs who, after we’ve had a bad day at work, can make us forget for a little while the strife ripping our state, country and world apart? The runaway inflation and lingering pandemic threat?

The creatures with whom we share both our home and our unbounded affection because they pay us back a hundredfold?

The friends who become, over time, real family? And if you think that’s a sentimental bit of hogwash, an embarrassing example of overstatement, then why do we sob uncontrollably when they leave us, and ache even years later when remembering them?

These are just some of the questions you might ask yourself today. Besides reminding your beloved beasts that you love ‘em, here’s one thing you can do to keep open the door for others to experience your fun, your joy, your companionship, and yes, eventually, your richly earned sorrow.

Support your animal shelter. The Kootenai Humane Society, which has been able to remain no-kill because of such a generous and engaged community, really needs your financial help.

See for yourself. Call KHS Executive Director Debbie Jeffrey (208-772-4019) or Board President Cindy Eddington (208-699-2165) to arrange a tour of the facility or talk about ways you might help.

Keep in mind that your gift is tax-deductible. It might, however, end up costing you an extra shoe.