Flexibility

The first pet we acquired as a family was a pretty cool cat named Jack O’lantern. I suppose he’s been with us for almost ten years. We had him when we brought our Siberian Husky puppy named Benjamin Barker home. Because he came in as a pup, Ben didn’t hassle Jack much at all, but it was still an adjustment for Jack. Unfortunately, Ben was killed by a lightning strike in our back yard.

It was also during this time that Nicole started breeding goats. So Jack was introduced to Ethel, Ginger and Bella as well as their offspring. Winston brought twenty-five chickens into the mix and Nicole added a pair of rabbits which bred many, many rabbits.

Jack stayed cool.

Two more Huskies came along and a new kitten named Charlie joined the family. Jack had an adjustment period, but maintained his composure.

At this stage, the goats, chickens, rabbits and Huskies have all moved on, but Winston added a German Shepherd named Dakota and a lab/newfoundland mix named Bentley.

As I write this, Dakota is asleep on one side of the living room and Bentley is asleep on the other side. Jack is deeply asleep on the couch right above Bentley. Charlie is somewhere else, hiding out. He’s not as flexible as Jack.

Jack has figured it out. Many different individuals have entered his life. Some have come and gone. Others are still here with him. In the end, he is the constant. He’s learned to adapt. He hasn’t tried to change any of the others, nor has he let them change him. Jack has maintained his cool.

He’s flexible like that.