My Pet

I'm up before dawn. I couldn't sleep at all last night because my pet kept me up. I have never been a "pet person." But, as with a lot of pet owners, I didn't seek out the pet, it just kind of came into my life one day.

My pet is the proverbial elephant in the room. I acquired this elephant a few years ago. When he was left uninvited on my doorstep, he was untamed and dangerous. I was terrified that he was going to kill me in my sleep. In fact, I was warned several times that he would eventually overpower me and to be prepared for that fate. But, over the months, and then years of having this elephant by my side, he has settled down, almost tame. He has mellowed. I have mellowed. There have even been times that I have climbed upon him and he has taken me for a ride to give me a break from leading him around, from room to room.

We have an understanding, this elephant and I.

I respect him and take very good care of him, and in return he leaves me alone......for the most part. I do occasionally have to take him in for a checkup and he gets a shot. So, the following couple of days, he is uncomfortable and since our relationship has mellowed some, I usually give in and let him crawl into the bed with me for comfort. It is not easy sleeping with an elephant and that is why I am up this morning at dawn.... It was a restless night.