The little guys pictured above are probably not what Shakespeare had in mind when writing his 1601 play of Julius Caesar, but they are a rugged looking group, nonetheless. I myself have a little extended family when it comes to dogs and pets. I have 4 dogs, a bird, and a turtle. At my house, there are times when it’s the decibel equivalency of a dumpster being dropped off of the Empire State building. Usually, those times are when everyone else in the neighborhood is trying to rest.

 

         All my dogs have their own personalities. The same as people, some are more tolerant than others, and some are sweeter than others. It is entertaining when they choose to have contests amongst themselves like: “who can pee on the most stuff…” or. “I bet I can hump your ear!” My favorite would probably be: “It always tastes better the second time ‘round”.  The joys of having such pets are almost limitless!

 

         As a child, I never had a dog. Occasionally, I was allowed to have a cat, but it was a bittersweet relationship because I was allergic to them. I never learned the joys of having a dog until I was an adult. (physically) My first dog was great, and I think many of you out there can probably attest to the fact that many of our pets understand us better than our therapists do. They just can’t give advice. It’s ok with me, though. The comfort I feel from them is often times more valuable than what insurance will pay for, and I feel very strongly bonded to each and every one of the pets I have ever known. That, is why I as a person put up with the conditions that come along with having so many pets. Constantly sweeping up, scooping, walking, washing, and tending to them in whatever way necessary. 

 

         Most of my pets were acquired when their lives were faced with dire straits, and I was in a position to fend for them where they could not fend for themselves. All together, I have had: 8 dogs, 4 of which have now left this earth. They were the best friends I could have ever asked for, and life would have been a lot harder for me without their unconditional affections.   My bird will probably outlive me, and I don’t know what to say about the turtle. He’s a little harder to read. What I do know is that I look forward to enjoying them as long as I can, and I am grateful for the whole noisy lot of them.

Yield to my cuteness!