Tag: Pets

Day 27 Gratitude Challenge

As we approach the final days of this gratitude challenge, I want to engage in a deeper reflection on those who matter most in my life. It’s too easy to take those closest to us for granted, and sometimes we forget to express our appreciation for them.

About this time of year six years ago, our youngest child began relentlessly nagging us about getting a dog. At first, I brushed off his enthusiastic pleas, convinced that with time he would lose interest and the conversation would fade away. However, I dramatically underestimated the sheer tenacity of my child, whose determination to welcome a furry friend into our home only grew stronger with each passing day. Ultimately, we decided to get a dog, and we have been happy ever since.

Today, I am grateful for my current pet and all my beloved pets over the years. My dog’s enthusiasm when I return home is heartwarming; her joy is infectious. It’s incredibly touching to witness her genuine happiness at our reunion. Her vibrant personality and unconditional love have brought so much joy and warmth into our lives, making every moment more meaningful.

Day 27 Gratitude Challenge

With four days left in the 2023 Gratitude Challenge, I will focus on more personal things.

For most of my life, I have lived with animals. During my early years, we had a Dalmatian (honestly don’t remember what happened with that dog). When I was about four, we got a beagle puppy that would live for 15 years. We also had a receiving door of cats. During high school we got a cat named Rowdy who seemed to only like me. About the time I purchased my first home, two cats decided to join me. One of the cats would live for 19 years.

When the cat passed away in 2015, I was fairly certain there would be no more pets in my life. However, my youngest had other plans. He began planting seeds in late 2018. “We need a dog,” he said.

Pretty soon, his mother was on board. It was 2 against 1. They began showing me pictures of dogs they would like. Puppy pictures are hard to resist. My resolution remained strong. Further neither my wife and nor son had prior dog experience. This is a ridiculous idea I said. We aren’t getting a dog.

When my youngest son advocates for an idea, he can be unrelenting and persistent. His constant requests and suggestions began to weaken my resolve. I began looking at the puppy pictures. I began researching where to get a dog. I explored and considered a rescue dog. Ultimately I decided this was not the best route for our family at the time. NOTE: I think rescue dogs are amazing. I know many people who have successfully obtained a dog this way. If you are looking for a dog or cat, consider a rescue.

Long story short, by late March 2019, I put down a deposit for a dog from a litter of puppies due in May. If all went well we would have a dog by July.

Luck and fortune were on our side, on June 29 we brought her new puppy home. we considered several names but settled on Ginger. It’s hard to explain to those who don’t have a dog the bond that is formed. I won’t attempt to explain it here.

Today, and indeed every day, I am grateful for the joy, energy, and unconditional love our dog provides us. She is part of our family and our lives are immeasurably better. If you have a pet or had a pet, take a few moments and be grateful for them. Have a great day.