Are you thankful for your dog? Mom, my sisters and I have been pondering this question the past few days. In the last two weeks several of our furry, friends (canine and feline) have passed away, both online friends, and in person friends. Some were older, some not very old, and for some it very unexpected. It got us all to think about our lives. Being a dog, I focused on dog/human life together.
Life is busy these days for everyone, and there is no sign of it slowing down. If you have a dog, are you paying enough attention to her? Do you set aside time to spend with your dog every day? When you bring your puppy home, it feels like you will have all the time in the world together, but who knows how much time you will really have. For us doggies, our humans are our lives. We spend out entire life obeying, following, and usually waiting for our humans. It is up to you to be there for us in return.
Not all dogs are snugglers, but in my family we are really big on snuggling. Mom always makes time for cuddles, snuggles, and huggles with us. Even when she is busy working, mowing the lawn, whatever she is doing, if we approach her looking for some loving, she will give it to us.
Plan activities you can do together with your dog. My sisters and I love to explore the great outdoors with Mom. Discovering new places and trails is so much more fun with a dog, according to my mom. Be thankful for your dog, because she will go with you any time, any place – no excuses like humans often have!
When you hit the road with your best furry friend, leave the phone and earbuds at home. Dogs, like humans, suffer from all the technology these days. Spend your walk or run focusing on your dog, and the area around you. If you must bring your phone, leave it in your pocket unless you need to take a photo. Your dog may not really know what a phone is, but they do know when you are on the phone, they are not getting all of your attention. Dogs want to interact with you.
Are you frustrated with the trouble and misbehavior your pup is causing at home? My mom gave up being angry about all that. She has accepted some dogs just enjoy exploding pillows, or digging holes in the yard. Tell your dog, “no”, but let it go. One day you will look back and laugh when your dog is old, and not able to get into the mischief she is into today. Pillows, shoes, grass, are all able to be replaced, but you will never be able to replace your dog.
Remember why you have a dog in the first place. You wanted a companion, so be a companion for your dog too. Enjoy the time you have together be it many years, or just a few. Create memories together, and most of all be thankful for your dog who is always there for you no matter what. Dogs don’t care about winning, losing, or perfection. All your dog really wants is to spend time with you.
We are joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
No doubt about it gang, your happiness always makes us smile every time we visit you! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
We are a pretty happy bunch!
You are so correct. There is nothing better than a dog. They are such great companions. We don’t have one right now just because there are so many cats that live here. Those are some mighty fine pictures. They all made me smile.
Cats are great companions too, less maintenance usually.
your photos are wonderful BRAVO!!!!! and yes we are thankful … the humans that they have us and we that we have our humans…
Mom says we are a life team, not just for our sports.
Great photos!! Yes, we all need to be thankful for our dogs. And we need to show them the gratitude. I think I’d lose my mind if I didn’t have my pups, even though Ducky drives me crazy at times.
It’s normal to have disagreements with pets and people, but they blow over and then things are great again.
I got Merlin when i needed him the most. My partner works away, sometimes for a few weeks at a time and i went through depression. Since Merlin has come into my life, my depression is in the past. He has given me a new purpose in life.
I am very thankful i have him and even though he can be a defiant little so and so, i wouldn’t have him any other way.
Mom says a perfectly obedient dog would be boring! So gad Merlin helped you out. We make wonderful companions.
Love this post. Brought tears to my eyes ( a little worried about Katie right now). I spend most of my time with Katie and she rules the house. Never get mad at the little things.
Well, the name Katie still brings tears to my mom’s eyes. We all have to love and support each other. Sometimes humans leave their pets unexpectedly which is a whole different problem. The main thing is that we all have no regrets. GBGV paw hugs to you and Katie, and hope she will be fine.
Thank you Emma. Sweet post!
It’s been a devastating two weeks, but to turn that into a positive, we wanted to remind everyone to cherish the moment and what you have with your pup. Nothing but time will heal the wounds, but while we are together, we try to make the most of our time as you have also done.
Never forget any who we share our lives with, be it cat dog horse or mouse. We all need love and time away from the keyboard and treadmill that pervades humans and those around them.
Toodle pips
ERin
Exactly, one may love a mouse as much as another loves a horse. The point is, love the one you are with in the furry department.
For sure! My Bernese Mountain Dog Maggie always brings a smile to my face. 🙂
They are such beautiful dogs.
Our Little Bit went to the bridge, but I was ever so thankful we had almost 13 years with her. She was such a blessing to us both. We miss her something awful.
Have a woof woof Thankful Thursday. My best to your peeps. ❤
No matter how long you are together, it is never long enough. Sorry for your loss, but you have wonderful memories I’m sure.
I think your advice is not only great for dogs but for all pets too.
It does apply to all pets, but we decided to focus on dogs since we run the blog. Our kitties are special to us too.
What a pawsome post, Emma…Mama spends everyday, all day, with us pups…and makes it a point to spend quality time with each one of us!
xoxo,
Rosy, Jakey & Arty
It’s important in these busy times to remember us pets. Good for you guys.
Such a great message! I have had a difficult time with so many of our blog friends passing away. It hurts to say goodbye. I only use my phone for photos on walks. We are ready to do some fun fall exploring as soon as the temperatures come down.
We are always sad when we see dogs on a walk and their human is chatting away on their cell. It is a time to be with your furry one.
Very nice post! I’m very thankful for my dogs and to show them we are on our way hunting with them.
Happy hunting. It’s so great when people get out and do things the breed was meant to do.
I am so thankful for my dogs. I have a 13 year old who can get away with just about anything because I know he is getting older and I want him to be happy. Yelling and screaming at your pets doesn’t help anyone.
Now being 12, I get away with a lot more than I used to. It is an advantage of being older.
We are grateful for every minute together.
We are too. Being together is the best.
Yes, yes, yes, I love this! What a great post. I think about this a lot, since we only have one dog now. Thankfully, Luke is young, but you still never know. Our daily walks have become so important to me, as well as snuggle time in the mornings before I get up. We need to cherish every single day we have together. It takes work on my part, but I try to keep my phone away when we walk (I do like to have it in case of emergency and for photos), and if he wants to play in the evening, I try to stop what I’m doing at least for a few minutes. It’s so easy to get caught up in other things we need to do, and I haven’t always been good about putting that aside sometimes.
It has been hard this summer with Bailie being injured and Mom’s work exploding, but she does her best to make sure and spend some quality time with all of us. We always get our long morning walks, but later in the day when things get busy is the hard part. I’m sure Luke misses having siblings, but also enjoys the one on one time all the time.
Great words of wisdom here. Delilah always jumps backwards on her back feet when I am bringing her dinner. Some days in her enthusiasm she hits the bowl. 🙂 At first I tried to get her to stop, but then I realized her food brings her so much joy, and one day, she will not be there to jump for her food, and I will be sad. So I stopped trying to change her.
Wouldn’t it be great if all dogs had what you and Delilah do?
Not every dog is so lucky. Some people are also not as lucky, so we count our blessings.