Giving Thanks For Our Pets

Thanksgiving is upon us once again – time for family, food, football, and the day set aside to give thanks for our blessings.  Although life happens and often interferes with our feelings of gratitude, it's important that we focus on all things good and, of course, what our pets add to our lives is all good.  During this season of giving thanks, let us all remember to be especially thankful for our pets and show them the kind of love and appreciation they show us every day.  Here are just a few reasons why we should be thankful for our pets:

LOVE.  If there's one thing we know for sure about our pets, it's that they love us unconditionally and that love comes back to us tenfold.  Almost all pets show happiness when we arrive home.  A dog's most enthusiastic tail-wagging, face-licking moment of the day is when we walk through the front door – even if we've just gone to the mailbox and back.  A cat's enthusiasm may be more subtle, but even the fact that he or she is in the same room with us for a change really says a lot.

COMPANIONSHIP.  Our pets keep us company and that company helps us to feel less lonely and isolated, especially for those of us who live alone.  Coming home to a pet gives us something to look forward to at the end of a long grueling day.

PHYSICAL CONTACT.  When a purring cat sits cuddled in our lap or a puppy is licking our face, all is right with the world.  Studies have shown that cuddling and stroking our pets is good for us; it makes us calmer and can even lower our heart rate and blood pressure.

SOMEONE TO TALK TO.  Talking things out relieves a lot of internal pressure.  Having someone to talk to can really make a difference.  It makes us feel less lonely.  Talk about anything – our pets will listen. Even better, they won't disagree, interrupt or tell anyone our secrets.

MOTIVATION TO EXERCISE.  Most pets need exercise every day.  Whether it's walking the dog or playing with the cat, we'll be getting some exercise too.  Physical exercise helps us to deal with stress and also gives us the opportunity to get outside and breathe a little fresh air.

SECURITY.  Some pets promote a feeling of safety.  A dog might bark when he hears or smells something out of the ordinary and a cat may wake us if there is smoke in the house.  Sometimes just having a pet nearby is enough to make us feel less anxious and more secure.

As we gather together to give thanks for our blessings this holiday season, lets not forget our pets; those faithful companions that fill our hearts and lives with so much joy and love!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beloved furry friends!

 

And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!  (?)
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