Three Loves, Four Paws at a Time

Honestly, I’m not going to dive into what makes the worst pets.  I truly believe that every animal is wonderful in their own unique way and given the right environment. Logically speaking, if you have a pet alligator, it’s time to reconsider some of your life choices. 

For me, when it comes to the best pets, there’s no competition: Dogs. They have always been my home. I’ve grown up with them, played with them, cried with them and found pieces of myself in their unconditional love. They aren’t called man’s best friend for nothing. To me, they are not just pets, they’re family. They give without a doubt, love without boundaries, and they offer a type of comfort that no human ever could. 

My first dog, China, was a black Labrador and shepherd mix. She was my first love. I still cherish every memory of her. After baths, she looked like a tiny black seal, and she gave the gentlest kisses. She’d sneak away to cool spots in the house and lay like the royal princess she was. We had a bond I can’t quite put into words. She was my shadow, my safe place. Losing her after sixteen beautiful years was one of the most painful experiences of my life. But I’m forever grateful to have grown up with her during my formative years. 

Then came Bosco, my German Shepherd mix, and honestly, he was the love of my life. He was with me through some of my darkest moments, always there and always comforting me. My little lover boy. He had this special way of showing love. Sometimes it was the sweet kisses. Other times it was the way he’d just be near me. It was as if he was saying, “I’m here, you’re not alone.” He was my heart, my soul, my everything. Losing him shattered me. But those ten incredible years we shared will forever be some of the best in my life.

Now, I share my days with Kai, my current pup, and easily the zaniest of them all. He’s a German Shepherd and Husky mix, and he’s a whole personality. I’ve never had a dog quite like him before. He’s stubborn in all the funniest ways, and his anxiety matches mine (which, honestly, makes us a perfect match). He doesn’t show affection the way my other dogs did. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a lover, he’s just more subtle about it. He challenges me, keeps me on my toes, and makes my heart feel complete. I can’t imagine a world without this crazy nut in it. 

So, yeah. Dog’s simply make the very best pets. Excuse me, family members. They love you wholeheartedly.  That’s an incredibly rare type of love to find. Sometimes, this world can become too much to handle, but dog’s make the difficult times worth it. They aren’t just loyal companions, they are what keeps us going, and I’m forever grateful for that. They make life so much more fun and enjoyable. If you’re so lucky to have a dog in your life, you’ll experience a transformative type of love. It truly changes your life. 

“They might only be here for part of our lives, but for them, we are their whole life.”

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