How
true is that? Pets are wonderful and, for many, are not only best
friends, but have become a part of the family. Those who don't own
pets don't understand that. And, there are even some pet owners
who don't as well. But for many of us out there - we know exactly
what that means.
There are those who have pets and just keep them in the yard all
the time, or locked in a cage. They set out water and food and say
hi every once in a while. They may take them for a walk every now
and then - but not usually. Just another something around the house.
Then there are those (who like me) have pets that are treated like
children. Do we do it purposely trying to be 'one of those' - to
make ourselves look good? No, it comes naturally. Dog beds, cat
beds; toys and treats on their birthday; one of a kind dog houses
or cat climbers; walks to the park, trips to the dog ponds so they
can mingle with other dogs… That's nothing! Just like taking
a child to school or changing a diaper, giving your dog a special
treat after his dinner is just the way it is. I, personally, have
always loved animals. All kinds. I grew up with pets. Dogs, cats,
mice, guinea pigs, a salamander, rabbits, even a pot-bellied pig,
which I still have. And I love 'spoiling' them. At the time of writing
this I have a pug and a pig. My parents have 2 pugs. They are all
blessed. They have their own beds and blankets. They have special
dinner bowls and water bowls for the seasons. They get their walk
everyday (except in snow because their paws can't handle very much
of it). They get home-made food, home-made biscuits, special treats,
"cigars" after dinner, toys all over the place, Christmas
stockings - anything we can think of to bless our pets - they have
it. Our pig even has her own 'house' outside that looks like a mini
ranch house. A Window, siding, insulation, painted, calendars, stuffed
animals, lantern, electricity…you name it.
It's
a joy to do those things. Others like me (yes there are more out
there - more than you know) would say the same thing. It's a simple
act of selflessness to do these things. Some people actually get
angry when they hear how well you treat your animals. Some say it's
stupid, absurd, crazy, a waste of money. I disagree. It's what psychologists
would classify as 'therapeutic'. Not being selfish. Putting your
attention and energy on someone or something other than yourselves.
For those of you who think it's crazy, that's okay. But just know
it is okay for us to think it's normal. And that should be okay
with you.
For those of you whose photo albums and digital pictures consist
of 98% pets - then this section is for you. Find out training tips,
feeding tips, look at pictures, read stories. It's a pet thing.
Not everyone gets it. But for those who do -
