Our menagerie
On Friday my three year-old dog Jasper made his debut on the Today show...boy did he ham it up once the cameras were on. No one was more surprised than I, because at home Jasper is more likely to be barking at the squirrels and rolling in dirt than preening for an audience. We've gotten so many wonderful emails saying what a sweetheart he is.
Jasper is just the latest pet in the Cohen/Vieira menagerie. I’ve always felt a house is not a home without a pet but I never knew what an impact pets can have on kids.
Before our son Ben was born, we had two cats -- Spike and Beanbag. I was told to get rid of the cats (there’s a old wives' tale that cats smother babies by sitting on them). I didn’t get rid of the cats and obviously they didn’t smother Ben, but they did teach him and our other two children a profound lesson about life and death.
When Spike was in her 10th year of life, she developed renal failure. The doctors said she'd need subcutaneous fluids, which meant we would have to give her daily saline injections. My son Ben was about eight years old at the time, and he wanted to be a part of the process. I taught him how to use the needle and every night for over a year he nursed that cat. He learned about the cycle of life, the aging process, caring for something else, and giving back to an animal that had given us so much joy for so long.
Eventually Spike died in Ben's arms on a cold December night, and it was exactly where Ben wanted her to be. As sad as it was, it was an opportunity for the whole family to talk about life and death.
The day after Spike died I called up the landscape people and asked them to dig a hole behind a tree on our property. (They ended up digging a hole that was about six feet deep--way too big, of course. As I approached them they backed away--I think they thought I might have killed my husband and was preparing to bury him). Each of the kids wrote Spike a note. We wrapped Spike in a silk scarf, placed him in a box, and I handed Spike over to Ben who lowered her into the hole. Then we blasted "The Circle of Life" (from The Lion King) from our living room windows and danced around the yard. It was a real celebration even if the other neighbors thought we were crazy. There were plenty of tears but there was a lot of laughter and love and for that I owe Spike a great deal.
We’ve lost other animals since then--we’ve lost Beanbag, and our first dog Willie. And sometimes I wonder why we keep getting new pets because it’s so hard to let them go. But our children understand. As painful as it's been in some ways, it's been a positive experience. You bring animals into your life for all sorts of reasons, and then they become part of your family.
Our house would be a lot neater without the clawed up furniture and a lot quieter without all the barking. But then it would just be a house, not a home. At least not our home.
I understand the feeling of attachment to an animal, be whatever kind of animal it is. We lost a horse who broke his leg while training, and the world came to an end in our home. Everyday there was someone in the barn crying and just sitting there. It is a wonderful experience to have the love of an animal and a learning experience when you lose one.
"Writing comes more easily if you have something to say."__Sholem Asch
And, Meredith, you certainly do.
Wow Meredith, you never cease to amaze me. What a wonderful story. I think teaching children about life and death is truly needed. So many people can't deal with death but when you look at it like you were teaching Ben, it truly makes a difference. I have seen many animals in my life die that I truly cared about but my parents taught me also about the cycle of life. What they taught me helped me when it was their time to go too. I was there at both of their deaths and, because of their teaching, I was able to get through it. Even today, instead of getting depressed when the date of their death comes around, we celebrate their life. So, Meredith, keep on writing. You are one of the nicest people that I know. I say I know because I feel like I know you.
Can't wait to see you guys in your costumes tomorrow!!!! Happy Halloween.
Debby
Meredith--First let me say that I really think your dog Jasper is a sweetheart--such a cute face! And Second I would have to agree about how hard it is to let your pet go when the time comes. We lost our Bassett Hound to cancer this past May. I was holding him and talking to him and crying buckets when he passed. I'm about to tear up now just remembering. We also lost our 18 year old mixed breed dog last December. My kids are both grown and gone but Sandy(the mixed breed) was their dog while growing up. It was certainly hard to say goodbye since she had been a member of our family for 18 years. I had dogs while growing up and I truly believe every child should have a pet--it certainly teaches them a lot of lessons about life, death and responsibility.
Your story was so sweet and poignant. I truly agree with you that a house is not a home unless there is a loved pet(s). We recently lost our cat, MeMe, which we had 10 years too. Just looking at his picture makes me cry, I miss him so much.
Hi Meredith,
Finally saw an online clip of Jasper with you, Matt, Ann and Al. What a cute and VERY well-behaved dog!! :)
I'm a sucker for cats and kittens!! I hope your "kitties" are doing well, too. :)
Joe
Meredith,I have just read your entire Blogg and I Love it. I feel like I just gained a new friend, someone who isn't just a TV show anchor, but an everyday person, confronting all the days ups and downs just as the rest of us. I don't often get this feeling from most TV personalities. I Love Matt, Ann, and Al for the same reason, and now feel like they made the right pick for the Today Family. Keep up the good job! And I look forward to settling in, in the evening with my coffee and my new found friend here on ivillage.com.
Just wanted to say.. love you on the today show! I have a cat and he is a wonderful influence on my children he is our first family pet and i adore him. Oh and matt is such a hottie, just thought i would throw that in ;) Im sure you have noticed though. but on a serious note, you make my today and everyday just a little better, thanks.. :)
I agree that a house is just a house unless there is a pet in it. I grew up in a home with all kinds of pets and when my husband and I finally buy our first house, we fully expect to fill it with pets and babies though we're unsure of which will come first!
Thank you for sharing your life with us here. I enjoy reading everyday and miss it on the weekends.
Meredith, your words are so touching. This is why we all love you so much on TV...you are truly a genuine, down to earth person. You are just like your fans are. You are so easy to relate to. We LOVE that about you. Thank you for writing this blog. It gives us even greater insight into your life. We love you on Today, Millionaire, and here. Keep up the great work!
I've always had pets and I have always made sure there have been pets in my children's lives. We have loved and lost over the years, but it would be a lonely world without pets. It teachs more than how to care for something..they teach unconditional love as well.
Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us.
Meredith,
Congrats from your home state on being selected to the Today show!You are so down to earth and i think that is one of you best qualities!Money and fame hasn't changed you!I have a quick question for you!Do you still have family here and do you visit RI annually?Also what do you think of the recent movies being made here and would you come back to RI to live?
Thank You,
Steven M Tamelleo
Hey Meredith,
Thanks for sharing such personal stories. My 13 year old cat, Shirley, is now in renal failure (diagnosed in July) and I am currently giving her the Sub Q fluids as well. For a few minutes a day she has her "spa treatment" and then after that she just goes on like her normal cat self. I don't know how much longer she has on this earth, but I do know that the experience of nearly losing her and now helping her to feel better has brought us even closer. They don't live long enough, but in their short life spans, they do teach us a lot about love and life.
Thanks for sharing.
Deb & Shirley
Hi Meredith,
Thank you for sharing your story about your pets. I have had pets since I was a child, and I probably always will. I, too, think that it is important for children to have pets and to learn the important lessons they can teach us.
Even though I am an "empty-nester", I still have multiple pets. My grandchildren are now enjoying them when they come to my house.
I have a diabetic cat and dog. They both receive regular insulin injections daily. My granddaughter, even though she is only three, helps comfort them when she is with me. She has become so kind and gentle with the animals. Of course, we had to teach this to her. I truly feel that, as a result, she will be kind and gentle to, not only animals, but people in her life.
People who love animals are the most kind-hearted people I know.
Thanks again for sharing your wonderful story about your pets. I enjoy watching you on the Today show.
I recently had to put down my twelve year old lab - it was one of the hardest things in the world for me to do - at the time I had three other dogs - another lab, retriever and shepherd and, yet, Saturday I found myself getting a three month old pekingnese. I thought I had lost my mind.
Old saying - I only hope one day I can become the person my animals think I am.
Your right. A house isn't a home without a pet.
I feel your pain. When I was 17 years old I lost a cat I had had all my life and it was incrediably painful. Last week I lost a three week out kitten to feline distemper and the pain was as real as when I lost the first cat.
What a wonderful world we would live in if we lived the lessons animals teach us- to love each other, relax and be forgiving. No matter how cross you get at your pet they are there to give you kisses moments later.
We had a dog before we had kids and she passed away 3 years ago. We had to put her down and it was such a heartbreaking time. Eventually we got a new dog - Tater - who is a wonderful mutt of Golden Retreiver, Australian Shepherd and Huskie. She is a perfect dog - or would be if she didn't shed. I wouldn't trade her for anything.
Wow Meredith this story is beautiful, I agree with you 100% a house is not a home unless there is a pet. I am 24 years old and I did not grow up with a pet. To be honest with you I hated ALL animals. I wasn't until one day I met my baby Cassidy. He is the love of my life. Being a recent college graduate and living a different city from my family who I am very close with, I always felt like I was missing something. I yearned for the "feeling" of home. I have a great job, great apartment, great friends but something just didn't feel right. It wasn't until I met Cassidy. A friend was dogsitting a dog and told me the owner was trying to get rid of the dog. It was a Christmas gift for his girlfriend who changed her mind and decided she didn't want him. She was walking him one day and I saw him, met him and fell in love instantly. I have been terrified of dogs my entire life but instantly fell in love with CAS. I felt an instant bond with him. My apartment wasn't a home until he became a part of it.
It is good to hear people in the public eye who care so much about their animal companions. Animals are an important part of a family and they can teach both children and adults so much about patience, caring, responsibility and love. As I am caring for my Irish Wolfhound with cancer, I become more proud of what a strong and stoic dog he is. Thank you for your insightful blog entry.
The day I read this entry I was crying so hard I could not comment. Your story brought back memories of every dog that I've ever lost.
I currently have two - a 13 year old who is my heart- and a 16 month old who must be going thru her "teen" years because she is now literally pushing me away when I try to cuddle.
I look forward to reading your blog every day. Thank you for taking the time to connect with your fans.
Let us see more of your dog on the show.
I will have to remember to not read your blog at work. As i sit her crying from reading this entry. I have always admired you as probably the best female broadcaster on tv now. Your blog just confirms how much of a wonderful, warm caring human being you are.
Meredith: Tears here, too. The worst I remember was about 10+ years ago. We had a 10 month old chocolate lab named "Siena". Our son was about 12 or 13 and he was out West on a fun vacation with his aunt when Siena got deathly ill and we had to "put her down". My husband and I were heartbroken, not only for the dog, but for our son. Couldn't decide whether to call and tell him the news, but didn't want to wait for him to come home. So we talked to Aunt B. explaning to her what had happened and she said she would take care of things. Our son took it well, but of course, was sad for the loss. It was like losing a member of the family even though we'd had Siena for such a short time. We said we'd never have another dog, but of course, you know that didn't last long! Soon after we trotted down to the local humane center and adopted Sydney, a part Austrailian Shepherd, Lab, and Chow. She's 10 years old now and a great member of our family. And......we'll be sad when her time comes, also. Me especially!
Having grown up on a ranch, animals often were my childhood playmates, and yet, understood as important to our family for more than their personality. That was a fact of life.
Now, many years later, and living as an urban-y woman far from the farm, I adopted an adult female akita that was around five at the time from a pet rescue. It was in some ways the worst possible time to get a pet, but Mya was impossible to resist.
I look back and what she has given to me over the past seven years has been enormous, and beyond measure. We are fortunate to walk on earth with many blessings, and near the top of that list, our pets make our lives so much the richer for it.
Thanks for sharing Jasper with us!
Meredith,
Thank YOU for sharing your pets with us! Your dog is sooooo darn cute! I loved the story about about your cat and Ben. I too have had and lost many pets and continue to get another one even though we KNOW we will be crying our eyes out once again when they die.
Thank you so much again for sharing. Keep up the GREAT job your are doing as well.
Trying to make the world go away I was cruising the internet. I just happened on this after finding out my dear cat, Baby, has a terminal condition. I brought her home 9 years ago, half starved, eyes infected, and scared. I cleaned her eyes, had an emergency trip to the vet, and have had many happy years with her. 18 months ago we moved 1000 miles and to a new home. She was at my side all of the time. She is going to have the rest of the week with me and on Saturday she will go to her final sleep in my arms.
I am a loyal viewer- love the show. But first Matt gives away a rabbitâs foot to Jennifer Hudson and then this week you had the story about those poor bunnies who are freakishly overgrown to send to North Korea for food.
Please do the right thing and do a story on how rabbitâs make great HOUSE pets. They are in fact the 3rd most popular pet in the U.S. (right behind dogs and cats) and they are dumped at pounds in the same numbers. What starts as a cute Easter gift, ends up at a pound or living itâs life in a hutch alone, outside with little attention. Rabbits make great pets. They are very social and bond for life with other rabbits. They love to play, are very clean-easy to litter train and make no noise so are great apt. pets. Many celebrities own house rabbits, Hilary Swank is one. There are some great resources to help you with your story:
House Rabbit Socity: www.rabbit.org
Bunny Bunch: www.bunnybunch.org
Bunny Luv: www.bunnyluv.org
Dear Meredith,
This is my first visit to your blog. I was enchanted when I saw Jasper on the show in October. What a handsome fellow. At the time, I didn't realize there was a blog for comments. Our family has always had pet...cats, gerbils, gin. pigs(I never could spell that word!!), hamsters, and now a dog. I had a little Boston Terrier as a child but it was only after our 4 kids left the nest that I finally,after much effort, persuaded my husband that we needed a dog. That was in 1998.
Abbey is our 7 year old ShitTzu. She is so sweet...and sometimes behaves better than the kids did. My husband, who never really wanted a dog, is so attached to her.
Animals are great for kids for ALL the reasons you stated. However, retirees like us find comfort in her presence.
We love seeing you every morning. You are so genuine and honest. If you ever had a "down" day we wouldn't know it. Our blessing to you and your family.
I'm a sucker for any animal story and yours was no different. We have a house full of pets (4 dogs and 3 cats) and it's been that way for the last 18 years. Of course, they aren't all the same ones we started out with but they are no less loved.
My biggest loss was my little Rosie, an almost 6 year old poodle who left too soon. She was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at barely 2 and from that day forward, took on the persona of a cat with 9 lives. When she was in remission, she was as playful as any healthy dog her age and very athletic. But, when she relapsed it was catastrophic. Her vet bills were more pricey than my first house! Because of Rosie's medical regimen, I quit my job and started my own business so I could care for her. The last picture I took of Rosie was of her lying on the floor with her front paws together forming the shape of a heart against her chest. That was her final gift to me and I look at it every day and smile for the time we shared.
Meredith,
Thank you. My cat was just diagnosed with CRF yesterday. I was prompted to have the vet take a look after the whole cat food fiasco in the news yesterday. I have a two year old daughter, Laurel, who desperately wants to understand what is wrong with her cat. I told her "Rusty" was going to the Animal Doctor and she accepted that. She was very sweet and gentle (unlike a usual 2 year old) when my husband returned from the vet with the sick cat. I have been researching today what this new diagnosis means for our family. I have been debating all day, "Do we give SC fluids at home, or has this gone too far?" Well, you are right. This is an opportunity to teach my child about nurturing and giving back. Thanks for the eye opener. I might just be able to instill a life long value in my child and a reminder as well for myself of what really matters. As we all know, life is too short.