Can Your Relationship With Your Dog Be Like a Marriage

When we think of the words "For better, for worse," we usually think of marriage.  However, there is another type of relationship where I believe this is applicable – our relationship with our pets; specifically dogs.

When we acquire a pet, how often do we promise to take care of him; for better - for worse?

For Better Or For Worse - Our Relationship With Our Pets

We fall in love with that puppy and look forward to many years of joy with him. BUT.....sometimes…

He has genetic problems and requires special care, which can be very expensive. He will NOT stop barking.

He bites people.

He poops and pees in the house.

He is left alone all day and then goes crazy when his owner comes home and becomes a pest, trying to gain full-on attention.

He isn't as cute as when he was a puppy.

He has a serious accident or disease and requires special care for the rest of his life.

He is destructive when left alone... Sometimes, rather than spend the time needed to restore the relationship, we give up.....and give that dog away.

Your Commitment To Your Pets

This is where a dog rescuer comes in. We have rescued over 30 dogs in the past few years who have been abandoned, beaten, or ignored. 

EVERY SINGLE one of them has been a total blessing in our home. 

Every one of them had special needs which required a lot of attention. 

And every single one of them has been the best dog…EVER. Don't kid yourself -- rescue dogs know they have been rescued. They will do anything and everything to please you. All they ask for in return is to be loved. 

Just loved. 

When given the love and attention they need, many of their previous bad habits disappear.

Love Your Pets No Matter What

I believe that dogs who have been rescued have the largest vocabulary and they tell us (to the best of their ability) how much they love us, how much they appreciate us, how they will never leave us.

All they want.....is to be heard and loved. 

They will never break their promise to you – to love and support you to their dying day.

Has there been a special dog in your life? Possibly a rescue dog? I would love to hear your story.

What Does it Take to Have a Perfect Marriage?

This month we celebrate our wedding anniversary and this is the toast I will give to my husband of 49 years --

THE PERFECT DAY

We met early in the morning, you and I. Even before breakfast, we knew we were going to be together the rest of the day. 

Throughout the morning, there were many moments of turmoil, doubt, and uncertainty. But we knew we belonged together and.... together we would overcome. 

By mid-afternoon, we received two priceless gifts; our children, a son and a daughter. They came into our lives as the blessing we always had hoped for and believed we would have. The afternoon also proved to be tumultuous but our love for each other and God kept us strong, focused, and … together. 

We have lost much but gained more. We have cried often but laughed more. We were victims of total financial loss, cancer, loss of our son, brain injury, and almost 40 years of trauma – often piled on top of another. But we are stronger now and better - as a result. 

We are now entering the evening of that day and we have received more incredible gifts – our grandchildren. No matter how many mountains we had to climb, or hurdles to jump, the blessings of the perfect day are many and I raise my glass to you, my love, and our 49 years together. 

Today we celebrate and I thank God for you and for the perfect day.

 

Is Owning a Dog Better Than Being Married?

I never met a dog I didn't like love.  Give me five minutes with any dog and I will create a life-long bond.  After years of rescuing dogs - over 30 so far - I can't imagine life without at least one furbaby in the house. My daughter has six at the moment - the acorn doesn't fall far....

Dogs make us laugh -- every single day.  When you learn to speak 'dog' they will tell you what you want to hear -- "I love you.  I have always loved you.  I will always love you.  Nothing else matters."

A bachelor friend of ours loves dogs as much as we do and has always maintained it is easier to date a woman and come home to his four-legged furry friend than to to be married. WHAT?

Admit it -- I bet some of you have thought that.  And here are some reasons why.......

1.  The later you come home, the more excited the dog is to see you.  You don't have to have an excuse or an explanation.  Giving a dog a pat on the head and a treat will make them forget you were ever gone at all.

For Better, For Worse -- A Language a Dog Understands

 

When we think of the words "For better, for worse," we usually think of marriage. We say our vows on our wedding day proclaiming that we will never leave our spouse, no matter what happens.

But sometimes we don't follow through with those vows.  Sometimes, our spouse is abusive or falls out of love with us or...vice versa. Those words ring in our ears -- for better, for worse -- but......it may be out of our control.