Happy Pet, Happy People

Happy More  - Happy Pet, Happy People
by Natalie Patton Chance

How to find your "happy." In my opinion everyone should have a pet.

For me and my family our "happy" is dogs. For my mother-in-law it's her horses (an Arab mix, and a miniature horse with clear blue eyes), and for one of my best work friends, it's her turtles. I'm not saying everyone needs a pet to be happy, but like a George Washington Burnap said, "The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."

Having a pet definitely qualifies under the something to do and something to love categories. It's impossible not to chuckle as the silver-dollar sized turtle races madly around the tank trying to catch dinner. Whipping around the plastic plants, dodging the miniature rock structures, he ultimately traps the fish in the between the glass and the tank, and enjoys the sweet glory of success. Hilarious, entertaining success. 

Yesterday was my Rottweiler/Ridgeback, Caine's, sixth birthday and I swear he knew it. A bone, a rope toy, and wet food mixed in with his usual dry-food had to mean something was definitely up. Mid-afternoon I curled up in bed with a book and decided I'd invite him to join me on this special occasion. He gladly jumped on the bed and began napping in my husbands spot; he even had his head on the pillow. Spoiling him and making him happy made me happy.

About twice a week we take our boys out to a field near our house to play; it's a guaranteed crack up every time. Brinkley, our Golden Retriever, weighs about thirty pounds less than Caine and takes the game of fetch very seriously. Caine gets the ball about ten percent of the time, and when he does he pretty much throws himself a parade. He proudly prances around with the ball as if he's walking on water, which needless to say, really annoys Brinkley. Once we have the game of fetch back up and running, and Caine has started to tire he'll start a new game of simply waiting for the Golden to retrieve the ball and then body slamming him as soon as he's going to bring it back. 

Whether it's your German Shepard named Harley, your tabby-cat named Silly, or your Frenchie called Chopper, a pet of your liking WILL make your life a better/happier place. Give your pet food and love and it will pay enormous dividends.