Our Furry Friends

I have either owned a cat, dog, or both while growing up.   In fact, at one point in my childhood, my sister and I had a rabbit.  Pets are a wonderful addition to a family.   I believe we learn so much from our furry friends.   They love us no matter what, are always happy to see us, and who else loves the meals we prepare for them more than our pets.  I have heard the comment that the best therapists are our four-legged friends.  They listen intently to our every word and let us know how much they love us on a regular basis.

My husband Sal and I have had a black lab as part of our family for most of our marriage, except for a brief period when we were waiting for our new puppy, Sophie.   Sophie is no longer a puppy anymore but three years old and she keeps us laughing and, at times, frustrated, but there is no doubt she is an important member of our family.  Sophie is both our family dog and a hunting dog.   I often joke that Sophie ranks over me in the family.   During hunting season, Sal and Sophie spend lots of time in the duck blind together.    Off season Sophie comes with us almost everywhere unless we can’t bring her.  She’s a spoiled girl, but you couldn’t ask for better company.

After I retired last June, Sal asked me if I wanted to think about getting an older lab.   He thought perhaps a dog that would be hard to place because of their age would be a great choice.   I whole heartily agreed with Sal and we started the search with some local dog rescue groups to find the new addition to our family.  After looking for a while we found a dog who peaked our interest and contacted the rescue group.    We were so excited to soon meet a dog  named Mazie.  However, it wasn’t meant to be.   Mazie found another home so our search continued for our new family addition.

Our next find was Daisy, a 12 ½ year old yellow lab with arthritis and several other health problems.    I am pleased to say that Daisy is now a member of our household.   She is a great addition and the sweetest girl ever.   Sophie and Daisy just love each other, and we find them sleeping next to each other or greeting nose to nose on a regular basis.

Daisy loves to lie down near Sal and me as we watch TV, work around the house, or just sit in the backyard.   She isn’t up to long walks and can’t run anymore, but we still take her on short walks on the sidewalk in front of the house.   She loves it when I take the leash out and show it to her. The length of the walk doesn’t matter to her, it’s more about being with her “person”.

When Sophie barks at our front door, Daisy slowly makes her way to the front door to bark along with her.   If we are in the backyard and Sophie runs to the front gate to bark at a passerby, Daisy is not far behind her doing the same.

More than anything, it is so apparent how much Daisy appreciates her home.  We certainly appreciate her and so does Sophie.   It’s been said many times that we can learn much from our furry friends. Most times pets bring out the best in people.   I know I have learned so much from Daisy, who recently turned 13 years old.    Just to name a few of my learnings:   patience, unconditional love, happiness, and  remember to smile even when you may not feel like it.   Sal and I joke that Daisy is always smiling and we do believe she really is.