I am happily out, but it wasn’t always this way. I currently have an amazing partner, but it wasn’t always this way. I have an amazing, accepting family, but it took some time to get there.
Before having all the amazing things that I have right now, all I had was two little dogs, Brooklyn and Remington. Brooklyn left me after only a couple of years, and I can no longer remember the hurt that I felt when he left me. Remington lived with me for much longer.
Remington lived with me when I decided that I was no longer going to hide who I was. He lived with me when I finally came out to my family and helped me deal with the anger I had inside. He lived with me when my family and I were finally able to talk about it and shared in my hopes for the future. He was there for me when I met my first love and then when he broke my heart. Remington was the first one I told when we had the opportunity to move out of Wisconsin across the country to Washington. This little pocket beagle made the 1,700+ mile drive with me to our new home. He was also with me when I decided to have my partner move in with us. This little dog has been with me during so many ups and downs in my life. When I thought I had no one else he was there. When I thought I couldn’t do another day, he helped me get out of bed because he needed a walk and food. This made losing him super hard for me.
I think when someone that is LGBT has a connection with a pet, it is different, and the loss of the pet hits harder. So, during Pride month I not only think about the people who have paved the way for me but also the pets in our lives present, past, and future that help us continue to get out of bed to keep fighting for a better future.
Ryan Frazier, BS, LVT
These pets give us unconditional love when during a time we may not have that for ourselves. Knowing that love is always there can be a light in the darkness that can keep you going.
Happy Pride Y’all! Don’t forget to adopt not shop!
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