Every day I say a special prayer of gratitude for my dog Kelly. Where would I be without her love and companionship? Pets make our lives better in so many ways. They’re our furry friends, confidantes and protectors. Here are stories of some particularly blessed pet parents, from Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog’s Life and Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Cat’s Life, (© 2011) courtesy of co-author Jennifer Quasha.
1.They alert us to need.
Charlene’s Shetland Sheepdog Rudy is a real hero. He heard a neighbor’s faint cries and led Charlene to an injured woman who had fallen. If they hadn’t shown up, no one would have known she was there.
2. They shower us with love.
J.J. writes about how her Lab Schooner’s greetings were so enthusiastic, they were often painful. Good thing Schooner learned to channel his love and become a great therapy dog.
3. They amuse us.
Does your cat love table food? Tiger kitty Emma’s pie-love often got messy. But after a dramatic rescue, however, Emma earned a pie of her own.
4. They comfort us.
Patricia’s husband loved hollyhocks. After he died suddenly, a little black kitten appeared under the hollyhocks in the garden. Kitten Piper’s love and comfort were an answer to Patricia’s prayers.
5. They help us change for the better.
Jennifer loves her Bichon Frise, Scout, but thought he was a naughty little dog. Then Scout helped her realize what a good dog he actually was, and she told him just when he needed it most.
And guess what? My dog Kelly’s story is in Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog’s Life, too. Read about how she became a blessing of a little sister to our older yellow Lab.
People everywhere like to share how their pets are a blessing, and I never get tired of listening (or reading!). Share your pet story in the Comments section below
