Why do you have a pet?
Sunshine, Speedy, Cuddles, & Leaf
We sometimes hear or read the argument that living with a pet isn't a reasonable or logical lifestyle choice. The financial cost of vet bills and food, the additional cleaning that is necessary, and other responsibilities seem prohibitive to some.
And why would people willingly put themselves through emotional loss, when they know that someday, a beloved animal will leave or die? Many who have never lived with animals question the motivation (and sanity) of those who share their homes and lives with pets.
For those who haven't experienced the human-animal spiritual connection, sincere animal lovers seem to lack common sense. Pet lovers are accused of having emotional weakness and immaturity, which spring from their lack of "real" human contact and companionship. They must be severely bored to need animals as their source of amusement.
When Linda types this line, Speedy looks at the screen as if to ask, "Do you think that's true? Do I amuse you?" Linda strokes her hand down the cat's back and replies, "Yes, you do, but that's not the only reason we love you."
Our cat Cuddles seems to know exactly what to do when we need encouragement. Her special way to offer comfort is to touch her paw ever so gently on the shoulder of the one who needs a little extra TLC. Her eyes peer straight into that person's heart and without one word spoken say, "You are loved."
Our dog Leaf wiggles, licks with his soft pink tongue, and wags his tail in circles to let us know that his offer of friendship is unequivocal.
Our cockatiel Sunshine whistles and says, "I love you, sweet baby." Who could mistake that sign of affection?
Do you notice when an animal gives you a gentle touch and wide-eyed, innocent look of unconditional love? In today's busy lifestyle it's easy to ignore these signals that love is all around.
Stop, look, listen, observe, be grateful. The pets in your life are there for you in ways you may not be noticing. What are your pet blessings?
View KARE 11 TV News Feature Story about Angel Animals
Categories: Writing about Animals, Animal People, Observations, Amazing Angel Animals
Hi Allen and Linda,
My little Siamese cat, Elsa, did an amazing thing. One nite not too long ago I fell asleep on the sofa. I woke up in the nite, feeling sad about my Dad, who recently passed on. Elsa was sitting beside me, looking at me closely. Then she reached out her paw and gently touched my cheek, as if she were comforting me. Annette (rainbow story)
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I have faced many overwhelming hurdles throughout my life, and I can honestly say that my dogs are what got me over these hurdles. They have given me a purpose and a reason to keep going when I felt that maybe life was not worth living. One of my English Bulldogs, who has since passed away, had been diagnosed with a terminal illness a week after I lost my job after 11 years of service. I did everything I could to give her the best quality of life she deserved, despite my financial hardship at the time. I barely left my house -- only for an occasional interview or to replenish my necessities. One day, my parents convinced me to come over for dinner, just to get out of the house for a bit. This was the day she passed away. I truly believe she held on until she knew I was strong enough and did not want me to witness this moment of succumbing to her terminal illness. This is what made her such a blessing to my life that I will forever cherish. This experience, along with so many others that I continue to have with my two English Bulldogs, are living proof of how significant an animal can be to someone's life and, in my case, the major contributor of my genuine happiness.
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