I am an animal lover. I grew up with dogs and have always had one, but never did I appreciate them enough for what they brought to my life until I became older and lived alone. Despite the muddy paws, fur balls rolling across my floors, hair stuck to everything I own, and drool dampening my surroundings, I could not imagine my home without one. 

I am currently sharing my house with the massive fur baby above. Her name is Lola and we have been living together for almost 5 years. I’m not sure what it is about large dogs, but I seem to be drawn to them. Lola is of course a St. Bernard, but I have also shared my home with a Bouvier de Flanders and an Old English Sheepdog.

This is Columbus. I rescued him from the Humane Society several years ago. He was labelled not adoptable because of aggression issues relating to abuse. We were together for exactly one year when he randomly attacked me and sunk his teeth into the side of my face. He had to be put down. I held him and cried as he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I think of him all the time and wish I could have helped him more.

Sometimes an animal will come into your life in an unusual way. Such was the case with Fui Fui who came here from the streets of Hong Kong. I learned about Fui Fui through a strange trail of connections. To make a long story short, Fui Fui’s mom was having to move, and she could not keep him. His story broke my heart, and I volunteered to take him in to live with my Bouvier, “Sydney” and I.  The transition was difficult for everyone, but especially Fui Fui. He suffered from separation anxiety. One evening when I was out for a couple of hours, he almost chewed through the door looking for his human. However, this story had a happy ending. His mom missed him so much that she decided to take him back and make other living arrangements. I had to give up Fui Fui, but I gained a new friend.

Although my pets have been dogs, I know people with cats and birds feel the same strong bond. Animals seem to know when you need them. They make you laugh, and they make you cry. They take away loneliness like nothing else can. It is amazing how they are using dogs, and occasionally other animals, in nursing homes. I think it would be beneficial to have resident pets in these places for the people who need to live there. Animals are proven anxiety relievers.

There are several other pets who have touched my life like my furry grand pup, Stella, the Newf. A sweeter soul has never lived.

And then there are Tuesday (I think she has used up her nine lives a couple times over.),

Miles, who takes time to smell the flowers,

and Sideways, better known as “Baby Girl”. These three are my grand cats, and they all are rescues from the streets of Toronto.

So, whatever your preference, enjoy your cat, dog, bird,or whatever. They are only in our lives for a short time, but the love and joy they bring us lasts forever. 

Thanks for reading,

Penny xo ♥