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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

HOW DO THEY DO IT?

How could you not love coming home to those smiling faces?

I don't know how people live without dogs.  I find it very unsettling not having a constant companion laying at my feet, or nudging my hands or even barking to go outside.  When I have been to other people's houses who have no pets, I always feel like something is missing and there is an emptiness in my heart.  I almost don't know how to act without an animal near me.  I can complain about the dogs all I want, but in all honesty I would be lost without them by my side, or climbing in my lap or jumping up with the thrill that I am home.  How do people live with that void of love?  Their homes seem so bare and hollow compared to the constant bustle of love I have through my home.  I can almost become disconnected without having that furry touch to rely on.

I realize sometimes I take that my dogs for granted, I have been surrounded by animals all my life and it is easy to get frustrated with them or feel I need a break from them, but I'm always so grateful when they are there waiting for me.  I have found over and over despite our troubles I don't know how I would survive without them.  They are a constant reality check and they keep me going when I am down, just as much as they are there for me when I need them.  I do not see how people function without having all that extra love around.  How they live without that comforting touch just at the right time.  Not knowing that level of understanding that comes from those extra sensory cells or just being there when you need to feel life and love.  It is something beyond my comprehension.  I can not fathom my life without animals.  I mean at one point in my life I had a hamster because I could only have small pets where I lived.  I would have felt lost otherwise. 

What do people do without animals?  I find it very sad and troublesome that more aren't able to truly experience the love of having an animal.  Of having that wonderful relationship of such value and trust.  I have let my dogs down many times, but they still lick my face and share their unconditional love with me every day.  Not to mention how much my animals have taught me about being human and a loving being.  My dogs challenge me every day to be a better person as I learn the true meaning of unconditional love and every day I am surprised by what that really means.

And I ask the question again, How do they do it?  How do people live without animals in their lives?  If you are new to having a pet, how has having an animal changed your life?  Have you ever went through a period when you didn't have an animal?  What was that like for you?  What about those of you that have always had animals like me, can you envision your world without them?            

14 comments:

jet said...

I didn't have pets when I was a student because I couldn't afford to keep one. I used to play with the neighbourhood cats and volunteered at the RSPCA shelter. I had a pet rat for a while. Then I moved in with someone who had cats, but I always missed dogs. Eventually I rescued a dog, and haven't been without dogs since.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Mom totally agrees. She was without a dog for only a very short time when she was first married and lived in a apartment that didn't allow pets. As soon as they moved, a dog was one of the first things they got. She doesn't think she could ever be without a dog, she misses us terribly when they go on vacation and we have to stay home.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

ThePainterPack said...

I have always been a dog person...but as a younger woman, I didn't always have a pet. For about 6 years I was dogless. However, it was because I had personal issues, not that I didn't want one...probably wouldn't have had the issues if I'd had a companion! Now, I know that I will never be without a dog...or 6. I've even got a cat, which I never imagined. People who do not care for pets have serious mental problems! They do not know what they are missing, but I guess some people do not have the love necessary for the pets. I am never without a fur-kid close...

The Daily Pip said...

We agree! A home just isn't a home without animals.

Your pal, Pip

sisko said...

I can't speak for myself because I have grown up with dogs. Before I met my wife she had never had a dog or any pet in her life and I had a dog.

For the first 3 or 4 months after we moved in together they clashed over and over and she hated it and hated him. After a few months things started to change and now she just can't imagine her life without a dog and how she missed out all those years without one.

Unknown said...

Great post! Don't know what I'd do if I didn't have my furbabies to come home to everyday. They're the only ones who are unconditionally happy to see me every time :) haha

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Totally Agree ... My mom is very thankful for having me ... a home is not complete without a pet. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Barbara said...

I am suspect of a person who "doesn't like dogs". I do not understand not having an animal in your house (dog OR cat). They are wonderful company, close companions, endless hours of entertainment and even if you are absolutely frustrated with them, you still can't help but love them.

When my Buddy died, I lasted a whole 4 days without a dog. I couldn't stand the silence!

ForPetsSake said...

Great post! I cannot imagine being surrounded by dogs myself. There's something magical about that special relationship and I, too, am suspicious of people that don't like or don't have pets. I find that dog people tend to be more earthy, generous, open-hearted than people without dogs. I can't think of better people to surround myself with :)

Kirby, CGC said...

Growing up we always had dogs. I lived at home even through college and then moved out on my own. I moved into an apt that didn't allow dogs, I thought I would be okay. NOT!!! I missed having a dog! I moved out when my lease was up and have had a dog ever since.

Even when Max died, I wasn't ready to get another dog quite yet, but missed caring for something in my life, so I got a fish.

Dogs add so much to our lives, they are all so different and have taught me so much, I can't imagine living without one.

Nice post,

Kirby's mom

houndstooth said...

I grew up on a farm and almost always had a dog around. When my husband and I got married, we lived in an apartment for three years and had to make do with cats because dogs weren't allowed. A month after we'd moved into our new house we were filling out the adoption application for our first Greyhound.

My dad had dogs growing up and until just a few years ago. Despite what anyone says, I know my stepmom is not a dog person. After our last family dog passed away, they didn't get another one. They say that it's because they want to travel a lot and not have to worry about a dog, and my dad is in the earlier stages of Parkinson's, but I think the truth is that my stepmom doesn't want one. Anyway, my sister lives a mile from his house and he goes up to borrow her dogs while she's at work. I guess it's good that he doesn't totally have to go without one, but it makes me sad for him. I can't imagine not sharing life with a dog!

jen said...

For as long as I can remember dogs have been a part of my life. I believe they make me who I am as a person. I could not imagine my life without one.
Great post:)

Lavinia said...

My parents were very strict about not keeping pets in an apartment, so we didn't have any pets, except for taking care of a rabbit for a summer. I compensated with plants (sort of) and gave them names, talked to them (imagine chatting to a cactus).

At grandma's house, we always had a dog or two around and lots of farm animals. Ducks were my favourites and I cared for them as if they were pets.

You're right, it's comforting and great having a pet around. But not having one also gives a feeling of emptiness we only realise we have had when we actually get a pet.

Pup Fan said...

I totally agree... I always feel sad when I meet people who didn't have any pets at all in the house when they were kids. Not even a turtle, rabbit, or fish. I would never want to live in a house without animals - for me, I'd actually never want to live in a house without dogs, in fact. Even when I'm just away for a few days, I miss having my Bella around!