Gays love dogs: official!

Growing up without pets isn’t unheard of, but for one family, this restriction was strictly enforced to maintain household order. Such was the experience of a brother, sister, and their sibling, who reminisces about a failed attempt at keeping a pet bird by feeding it spaghetti in the hopes it would consume it like worms. The humour, and subsequent loss, of their ‘fleeting pet’ left a lasting impression, making the brother, Jim, a jestful substitute pet.

Fast forward to the pandemic, and a major life change occurred for one of the siblings. Despite initial reluctance, they decided to adopt a stray dog from Puerto Rico. Freddy, the chosen canine, appeared worn down, sad, and unkempt in the photo that attracted the adopter’s partner. This decision led them to LaGuardia Airport for a memorable pick-up after Freddy’s long flight from San Juan.

The arrival of Freddy marked a transformative moment. He became a source of comfort and joy, especially as the adopter’s partner was engrossed in a medical residency in New England. Freddy’s presence filled the void left by a mostly solitary existence over three years. The bond formed with Freddy was described as life-saving for the adopter, providing companionship and a constant source of optimism.

Freddy’s impact underscores a broader sentiment within the LGBTQ+ community. For many, pets, particularly dogs, offer unconditional love, loyalty, and a sense of belonging that mirrors their emotions. Freddy’s intuitive understanding of his owner’s moods – happiness, sadness, and anger – illustrates the profound emotional support dogs can provide. This was particularly evident after an attempted suicide in December 2021, with Freddy playing a critical role in the journey back to happiness.

The story of Freddy and his owner highlights the significant bond that can develop between queer individuals and their pets, rooted in shared experiences of searching for acceptance and connection. Like many dogs, Freddy reciprocates the love and care he receives with boundless affection and trust, showing gratitude for no longer roaming the streets of Puerto Rico.

In many ways, Freddy mirrors his owner. He enjoys the sun and warmth, dislikes snow, rain, and small talk with strangers, and has a keen love for cheese and blueberries. Through Freddy’s eyes, his owner perceives mutual love, often affirmed by the dog’s affectionate face-licking.

Freddy has become more than just a pet; he has become a best friend and companion. The narrative is enriched by the shared experiences that marked their bond, including dealing with sobriety. The decision to quit drinking nearly three years ago led to an avoidance of social interactions, making Freddy an essential companion during this time. They spent Friday nights playing fetch and cuddling on the couch, which the owner now cherishes.

The story ends with a reflection on National Dog Day, celebrating the deep, unspoken connection between dog owners and their beloved pets. Freddy will be treated to extra delights and playtime, further solidifying the bond with his appreciative owner.

This narrative featured in “Voices,” a platform dedicated to sharing a wide range of impactful stories and opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, underscores the importance of pets in providing emotional support and companionship.