I didn’t even know there existed a “National Love Your Pet Day” but apparently, it’s today! So here I am, because who doesn’t love their pets? You know I love the bunnies and other wildlife in my yard, but they’re not pets in the traditional sense. Better said, they’re what I consider part of my extended animal family. Well, those and the many dogs who live nearby and walk past my home with their owners. I love to sneak in a little puppy love from time to time as they walk by. It’s a nice change considering I have cats who do not walk on leashes, nor go outside.
Pets bring a life force of unconditional love into our homes. The responsibility of being a pet owner can feel burdensome at times, but the goodness far outweighs any poop detail!
As a child, our family had many different pets over the years. My favorites were the black Labrador Retriever and alley cat who were best friends. We also had various beta fish and gold fish (won at county fairs), two parakeets and even a hermit crab for a brief period of time.
When I had my own family, I knew that we needed a pet in our lives. While we’ve never had a dog (yet), I do love dogs and maybe someday when the time is right, we’ll have a dog in our family. But in the meantime, we’ve been a cat family. Two rescues and a purebred so far. Years ago our family went through the heartbreaking decision to let our 17 year old rescue who stayed with me throughout my cancer ordeal, never leaving my side, be free to travel over the Rainbow Bridge. We still have our almost 6 year old rescue (whom my sons chose and she looks very much like our dearly departed kitty) and our American Bobtail who’s been with us for more than 10 years. Both girls are housebound and aren’t outdoor kitties which is fine by me.
They are a huge part of our family. Their antics and affection add a richness to our lives that has helped us through some tough times. In fact, I’ve often written about our family phrase “fur therapy” (when you just need to hold one of the cats and feel that special unconditional pet love). When my sons come home we hug and kiss hello and soon afterwards they usually scoop up a cat to hug as well. The soothing petting of a cat and feeling that purr rumble is actually healing and proven scientifically. Did you know that?
In addition, our family has been the home for an anole, a hamster named Hamtaro (Hammie for short) and some requisite gold fish. All in all, I don’t think my children nor I would be able to be without a pet in our lives because they’re such a part of our lives.
Do you feel the same way? Tell me all about your loving furbabies!
Shine On!
xo
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