Editor's note: There are times that economictruth.org will digress from our economic-oriented format. This is one of those times. I have known Pat for several years. We first met when he opened 55 Feedback to my monthly program called Tech Talk Thursday focusing on helping people with their technology-related issues. Pat has taken more than a little heat for his conservative positions and support of like-minded political candidates, but he has very sound views on economic policy and the need for limited government involvement in the lives of Americans. Sometimes conservatives are viewed as heartless and cruel. I think I know Pat better than many of his critics, and this "commentary" reveals a little about his heart and needs to be understood as a way by which he is dealing with a loss in his life. I owe Pat a lot. This is but a small repayment. As you read about his relationship with Oscar, it may remind you of a similar one in your own life. Remember the good things that have occurred in your life and be grateful for them. Saying Goodbye to Oscar June 18, 2009
I never had pets growing up. My dad worked for the railroad and was frequently transferred to different locations. I did have a turtle when I was five years old, but after my emotional breakdown with his death, my parents decided to forgo future pets. As a result, I spent my first 23 years of life without a four-legged friend but that changed with marriage.
My wife is the daughter of a veterinarian and was around animals all her life. Therefore, having a cat was not an option; she came with the marriage. Sabrina was the first pet I had, and we spent the first two years together fighting for my wife’s attention. Sabrina was very jealous of me and the attention my wife gave me that was all hers before I came along. We had many battles. She would hiss at me when I sat down next to my wife and swipe at me with her paw when I walked by a chair she was on taking a nap. The ultimate insult was when I woke up in the morning and she was staring me in the face and saying good morning with a hiss. To say the least, my start with cats was not good, but after a few months we came to a truce.
The spring of 1993 brought two kittens into our home, Dusty and Belle. So now, there were three cats and two small kids. These were the first cats that showed me a lot of affection. These cats were independent but also would cuddle up with you while you read or watched television. My attitude toward cats began to change, and I started to grow attached to them. The fall of 1995 brought Oscar into the family. He was dumped at the front door by someone who didn’t want him. He was a 6-month old kitten with broken left leg and was in pretty bad shape. We nursed him back to health and after a rocky start with the other cats, he became one of the family.
I had a special bond with Oscar from the start. I named him and spent a lot of time nursing him back to health. He shared that special bond with me too, choosing my lap over my wife’s when we were relaxing on the couch. I found myself talking with him and felt he understood me. He always accepted me, was never mad at me, and seemed to know when I needed cheering up. I guess you could say he was my first pet that I loved very much. As time went on, I knew he was getting older but never thought about him dying. At the beginning of June, he suffered renal failure, and we had to put him to sleep. I never thought it would be so sad to say goodbye to a cat.
I owe a lot to Oscar. He showed me how to love a small four-legged critter, and now I can’t imagine my house without cats scampering about, even if it means cleaning the litter box. Take it from a guy who never thought he would like a pet, if you get a chance to take in a cat, do it; it will change your outlook on life.
Patrick Snyder is the host of the Wisconsin Morning News on AM-550 WSAU radio in Wausau, WI. He also hosts and produces a two hour daily talk show called 55 Feedback. Pat is a veteran of the broadcast industry with 29 years in the business. Before moving to Wisconsin in November of 2000, Pat was the Director of Public Information at Indian Hills College in Ottumwa, Iowa. Pat, and his wife Shawn have two children, Amy 23 and Dan 21. 