The Fur Influence

Yesterday was National Love Your Pet Day and though it seems that every day there is another national this-or-that day I do like the fact that we get to celebrate all pets, and we should. Currently we have a dog, Castle, who has been with us two years this Saturday. We have Angel, our cat fantastic, who has been with us since last year. 

If you are a pet "parent" then you know  what a huge responsibility it is to be part of their lives. You also know how much they can love and how they often inspire those around them to be better people. Example: Every morning both Castle and Angel greet me, each in their own unique way. Castle is a bit of a spaz, but being a puppy you would expect no less. Angel is more of our quiet family member who does her own thing. Yet each night she stop by to see me and to "tuck me in" before bed. This usually means she lays on my stomach and just purrs. Almost as if she is trying to lull me off to sleep. You know what? Sometimes it does just that. The lesson in that is that they always find a way to remind me that they love me in some small way. Something I think we can all learn from especially with how busy our lives can become. 

Castle today!

No matter what type of pet you have, or what their personalities are like, they are a huge part of who you are as a person. They show you love, and teach you how to show that back. They even help you be more active because they need you to be. They need to go outside, go for walks, or just to run around and chase a ball or string. 

Angel 2013

They are in the moment. They don't think much about yesterday and tomorrow is not on their radar at all. It is all about NOW. Unlike people, they don't exist in any other time but the present and have learned that only today is what matters. I can tell you for certain that Castle will be a ball of energy the moment I walk in the door and Angel will be bounding down the stairs to check it all out. I kind of envy them in that. I know that for myself it is great to say that you will leave the past behind, and include all the mistakes and past hurts in that effort. If you are like me though it is hard to not let them creep into your consciousness. 

I had a conversation the other day with a friend and felt badly that I had gone months without calling her. I kept saying I would but with her being on the east and me being on the west I would always forget until it was too late to call. Even with friends here in town I have to make an effort to remember to reach out to them even if it is a text or Facebook post to say hi. I feel badly that I miss out on spending more time. It is something I am promising to make more of an effort with. 

So if you mised out on celebrating National Love Your Pet Day and you have a loyal non-human companion (fish, bird, dog, cat, whatever) take a moment to stop and show them a little love. And while you are at it, send some of that love to your human friends as well. 

Cheers!