Dogs have owners, cats have staff, but a house is not a home without a pet.

Growing up, (most) every little girl dreams of living a fairy tale. Usually the story being a beautiful young maiden that will one day be rescued by her handsome prince, and in return become a princess and live an extraordinary life not having to worry about a thing. So they practice by playing dress up, sneaking into their mother's make up, and of course finding the crowning pair of high heel shoes (that are five sizes to big). They watch their favorite movies like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, etc., to ensure princess-like behavior.  For some little girls it really is a dream, maybe even an obsession. For others, like myself, it was simply make believe. While my friends were wanting to watch their favorite Disney princess movies and dream of being rescued, I wanted to watch Homeward Bound, Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmations, The Fox and the Hound, The Lion King, Bambi, Air Bud, ... ok you get my point. Oh, but let's not forget Old Yeller, The AristoCats, and Finding Nemo.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely had my moments of make believe growing up. I had my baby dolls, an extra set of old car keys, and my car (or wooden rocking horse that had a hole in the poor things ear where I had dug for my keys to go), and I drove (or rocked) around the house pretending to run errands and imitate all of the things my mother did. However, on my ideal day I was loving on whichever pet would allow it at the time. And loving hard.

I took heart at a very young age to animals being the exemplary friend. Not telling our secrets, always being there (not to mention being excited about it), and loving us unconditionally.

Every child should grow up knowing this sweet love. What good would their favorite 50's day at school be without a picture with their B.F.F. to start it off right? 

"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere."
-Groucho Marx




If anything, they are the best teachers God could send us. They never complain, even when they're sick.
They are very easily excitable. You can yell at them, beat them, forget to feed them, and they're still going to love you at the end of the day.  They can talk without saying a word, and they'll even dance with you.

















They enjoy the simple things life, like feeling the wind blow through their hair on a pretty day,

or just simply being by your side to pick up an ice cream sundae.

 

I owe my parents a huge thank you for allowing me to learn and appreciate this at such an early start.

And major points to these parents, and high hopes for their offspring that they too will appreciate each and every friend they are blessed to love and get to know.

Happy loving!