I know we all love our dogs, puppies I call them. No matter how old, they’re still puppies to me because that’s how I always see them. Having had dogs my whole life, I can’t imagine my life without them.
Every time in my life that I look back on, there was a four-legged friend nearby. I remembered all of them and loved them all. My life isn’t complete without them. Even now, we have 3, well, two now.
My Mandy Monster passed over a year ago. That day was one of the worst moments of my adult life; we had to make the ultimate decision as her health had been declining for some time before that sad day.
Hard To Say Good-Bye
It’s hard to write about even now. My heart hurts, and I can’t help but cry. I vividly remember her head in my lap as she took her last breath. Heartbreaking.
I miss her still.
As you may or may not know, these loving animals have personalities all their own. Mandy loved to eat and eat and eat; yeah, she loved food. She was my piggy, and I loved her dearly.
Our big girl brought so much joy and happiness to our lives. My best memories and moments with her were when she would sit down in front of me and proceed to tackle me like a linebacker until I fell over. Then she licked my face like crazy. I swear she thought it was funny, and I always laughed.
Our little friends are there for us through good times and not-so-good times. They never waiver from us. Isn’t it nice to have someone that doesn’t have to say words but always knows the right thing to say?
We know they make us feel good inside, and we love them back. More interestingly, they actually provide us with more than just love but real health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS FROM FURRY FRIENDS
- Reduce Stress & Improve Cardiovascular health
Lower blood pressure and heart rate and; lower anxiety levels just by petting a dog. Some studies show that pet owners have lower cholesterol levels. We can all feel that immediate decompression after a long day when we see our little friends. Our hearts feel better in more ways than one. - Active Lifestyle – having dogs requires taking them for walks and interacting with them for exercise. Walking dogs every day not only benefits the dog but helps you as well. They prompt us to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. The more we move our bodies and theirs, the more weight we lose by doing so.
- Happiness – Dog/Pet owners are less likely to be depressed or suffer from depression. Daily interaction with your pet brings us all joy. Even when we are down, they have a way of lifting us and bringing a smile to our faces. Simply petting our furry friends can be a mindful and meditative state.
- Making new friends – You and your puppy dog. Taking your dog on walks usually prompts other pet owners or onlookers to stop and chat. They want to pet your dog or ask what breed, how old they are etc. Or maybe your pup is making new doggy friends, and you’re along for the ride. Either way.
- Companionship – Whether you’re single or married with kids or anything in between, our puppy dogs offer us all companionship. For some, it can help prevent loneliness and isolation. Our friends give us love, companionship and fill our hearts. Who isn’t looking for that?
Dog Lover/Animal Lover
Whether you are a dog lover or not, you can benefit from any of our furry friends beyond just filling our hearts. They do so much for us that we owe it to them to give them that extra treat, kisses, or rubs on the belly.
We are looking to expand our family again with a new puppy dog. It’s taken me a while to be ready, but it seems that adding doggy #3 will happen soon enough.
As crazy as our life was before with three dogs and two little girls running around, I miss having it. He/She will not replace our Mandy Monster, but he/she will add more love and fun to our lives.
He’s wearing a Martingale collar, highly recommend. Better than a regular collar that will choke the dog. Especially, when trying to train a larger dog.
Update 4/30/19
Max was actually homeless and living on my mother in laws street, wandering between houses. He would greet me every time I was there, about twice a week. Max would walk me to the door and wait for me to go back to my car. All he wanted was love and attention. I kept asking who he belongs to, but that was the sad part, he didn’t belong to anyone. At least not anymore.
After encountering him for almost a month, I finally said that’s it; he needs a home. I sent my husband this picture. The rest is now our family history.
As you can tell, he’s adjusted well. He seamlessly blended right into his new family. And in case you are wondering, I searched several online missing pet sites and found nothing; he didn’t have a chip either.
My oldest already has plans for our next family photo. She said he needs to be on the floor laying in front of us cause he’s too big for our lap. Max begs to differ as he thinks he is a lap dog. Lol. We’re very grateful for our furry family members. It wouldn’t be our family without them.
UPDATE 11/17/20
We’re heartbroken that my little Cocoa, the chihuahua in the photo, passed this last month. She was just shy of her 16th birthday. She lived a long life. My little Cocoa monkey was with me through major life events since I was 27 years old. That seems so crazy!
It’s amazing to look back and see her in photos during different points in my life. It feels as though a chapter has closed or the end of an era. We’ll always love her. She’s now in doggie heaven with her sister Mandy. ❤🐾
I wish you peace and guidance on your journey. Take care and be well.
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