The most humbling experience available is to have pets. If you are doing it right, it is the correct solution to bring a person back down to earth level. I can attest to that with my pet guinea pigs. They do as they please, don’t come out when you call.. the only thing that is interesting for them is NOT their owner but the sound of plastic bags rustling containing their food. And then they venture out to see what they can eat next. One of them actually waits till I’m out of sight before checking out the food bowl.
I sometimes lie to myself that they actually like me, but just don’t know how to show it. But then they “show” how much they dislike being petted pretty clearly by shaking my hand off. Sometimes they get curious and sniff my hand to see if I have food ,if not they do a 180 degrees half jump, half turn and go about their business.
Then there is the humbling experience of maid service , when cleaning their cages. My efforts are not clearly unappreciated as they run for cover and seem disturbed by my bid to have their living quarters clean. And each time I go near their cage, it seems like nobody’s home as they cower and hide as if I am their enemy #1.
The grooming part may be the worst, as we shave their tangled fur , they squeal as if they are being slaughtered. Their screams still haunt my nightmares and make my hand shake everytime I try to do it.
So, get guinea pigs when you feel like everyone likes you , and you need a new challenge. Its a lucky thing I don’t mind overlooking the one-sided love affair with my furry friends.
-The End-
