I can’t remember a time growing up when our family didn’t have a pet or two. We always had a dog and at one time even a canary! The bird was of course caged but nevertheless became a ‘pet’. However, every dog we owned through the years (all males) were more like my playmates and at times my protective brothers who were quick to guard me from harm!
My dad was always an animal lover. He occupied his non-working hours caring for cattle, horses, and even a few bunnies and chickens at one time! You’ll notice, I don’t mention cats, but there were several of those too. They were feral cats that seemed to be drawn to our house, but both my dad and I were allergic to them so they were never invited inside. Mom didn’t help matters by feeding them, though, so they stuck around perhaps hoping that they might find a door left open at some point. She got over her fondness for them when their favorite pastime became traipsing across the wide white banister that surrounded our wrap-around porch, leaving filthy footprints that required continual scrubbing. That did NOT score them points in her book, and they soon learned not to visit while she was outside swinging on the porch! Smart move on their part!!! Don’t think for a moment that animals aren’t smart.
And don’t think they don’t have a heart either. I read an article online this morning about a man who passed away, and his son noticed the following day, that his dad’s dog was mysteriously missing. After a long, long search, guess where he found him – yes, at his father’s graveside – mourning his loss! I know you can’t believe everything you read online, but I don’t doubt this story.
You see, my family quickly fell head over heels in love with a puppy that my son got for his daughter when she was three years old. He was a rescue pup that cuddled up next to both of them the first time they met, almost like he was saying ‘Please take me home with you’! Soon, the sweet little thing captured all of our hearts! My mom was extremely enamored by him and spoiled him rotten! Even five years after her passing, when this dog (now 14 years old) comes to my house, EVERY TIME, the first thing he does is run to her recliner! He sits there and just stares at that chair for a while, as if he is hoping with each visit that maybe she will have returned and be sitting there, anxious to greet him. I can tell that even after all this time, he misses her as much as I do.
What loyal companions they are; always the first one to run to you when you come home! Think that doesn’t score them a lot of points?
Having a pet scores even more points by aiding humans both emotionally and physically – particularly older adults. They offer unconditional love and significantly reduce loneliness. They provide companionship which can reduce stress and anxiety. Even the Mayo Clinic supports the fact that caring for pets creates healthy daily routines that are good for our own wellbeing. And walking them regularly improves not only our cardiovascular health, but can elevate our mood! While having a precious pet may require us to do a few chores, can you see how many points they score in rewards for us as well?
It’s a shame they can’t talk to us, but if you love them and look directly in their eyes, you can almost read their minds and know what they’re trying to say to you.
There may be just a few points in the minus column – for instance, maybe there is a time when you don’t want to share the sofa with them … or on a rainy or snowy day, walking them might not be your #1 choice for exercise, BUT, they’re worth it! So if you’re in need of a loyal, loving companion, consider opening your heart to a ‘fur baby’.
This week’s quote: “If the kindest souls were rewarded with the longest lives, dogs would outlive us all.” ~ Ricky Gervais
