I am thankful every day that I was able to grow up with many family pets. When I moved into my own home, I took my affinity for animals with me. After decades of pet ownership, I’ve certainly learned a lot from my animals, but canines have definitely been the best teachers.
When I think back on all the life lessons that my furry friends have taught me, these 5 stand out.
* If you have a feeling about someone, go with itDogs know as soon as they encounter someone if they like that person or not. We had someone come over once, and it was the first and only person one of our dogs growled at. There was something about her, but I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Turns out, she wasn’t a good person to have around.
* No matter how much you fight you still love each otherFamily is family…period. Our dogs fight over food, the couch, and often they fight for no reason. At the end of the day, they are all curled up together cleaning each other’s ears. No matter how much you fight, family always sticks together. When times get tough, you will only have your family to help you.
* When the storms come, you always need a friend My dog is scared of thunder. She has to have medication so she doesn’t get herself all worked up. She never gets in the recliner with me, except when it thunders. She is so scared, that she just jumps right up for a hug. Life is scary sometimes. Keep a friend around for the tough days.
* Always be alertOur dogs are always ready for anything. The dogs spring into action with the slightest sound. One day I was in the kitchen and the dogs ran in and almost knocked me over, barking like crazy. I started fussing, but then I noticed a mouse scurrying along the side of the refrigerator.
* Scratching doesn’t always make itches go awayOne of my fur babies has chronic eczema. No matter how much he scratches, he still itches. Sometimes if he just gives it a rest, he can doze off and get some relief. The same goes with grouchy people. Ignore them, and they usually go away.