For the Love of Pets

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~Anatole France

I grew up incredibly shy. I struggled to make the small talk required to ‘fit in’ with my peers. My dogs seemed to know what I was thinking without describing my emotions or concerns and they silently stared into my soul and cuddle up beside me without asking me to explain or change to accommodate. This is where I first learned to love unconditionally.

I explored the woods with a cocker/poodle, befriended the retired police dog next door (that I was told not to touch but found a gentle friend in him), and spent hours laying on the back of a horse staring at the clouds while it wandered in a field.

And I’ve rescued companions that ended up rescuing me. Cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, ducks, and a Canada goose who left joy, laughter, lessons of life, and muddy paw prints.

These stories from the heart are meant to inspire as well as memorialize our encounters with these precious creatures. I hope you enjoy them as we have!