The Pets That Fill Our Lives

I've always been a pet lover, my preference being dogs...but I've been known to take on fish, a turtle, a couple of ducks, a chicken or two and even kittens, which I am highly allergic too. The pets that fill our lives...these innocent, unsuspecting critters come into our homes and hearts with no knowledge of how much they impact us, influence our lives and fill them with so much joy, laughter and sometimes pain. I have always stayed true to the fact that having pets is a lot like having children. They're our complete responsibility, like infants they can't really tell us what they feel or need...but WE get to know, and they need our guidance. I can't tell you how much they alter our lives on so many levels. I would never move anywhere again unless my dogs are welcomed and it makes visiting people difficult too. I myself am blessed that most everyone in my family and my extended family are dog lovers with their own pooches, which makes staying with family much easier. I don't even enjoy a visit to the cluster of amusement parks here in Orlando unless I know I can be back within a decent amount of time to let my kids out for their walk. I won't even use certain products in my home if I suspect they can be perilous to their well being.
I can't picture my life without my dogs. No one there to wake me up early in the morning with a gentle but forceful nudge? No one hovering when I cook? No one waiting on the rug in the bathroom when I step out of the shower? My dogs Gia and Max are so entrenched in my day to day, that life would feel VACANT without them. The truly Unconditional Love you get, in my case from my dogs...is Priceless. My "little girl" Gia is now 12, God Bless, and I know when her time comes I will be devastated. She, like many pets that fill our lives, has at times given me purpose and kept me focused, and she's always helped me get through many a tough time. I fear that this is one time she won't be able to help me. I know I'll never find another Gia, but have to stay on track because my lil guy Max will need me.
That's why, the pets that fill our lives, are a blessing we should give thanks for and appreciate until our time with them has expired. Like any loss, we're left with photos and memories worthy of remembrance but we are so enriched by their devotion and LOVE...we're NEVER the same again