Saturday, September 3, 2011

The Power of a Pet




This is Miss Annie, our wonderful family pet.
We adopted her from DFW Lab Rescue four years ago.

She's sweet, well trained, loving and such an important part of our family.
Everyone needs a pet in their life, because the joy they create is exponential.

If you don't have a pet, here are 5 reasons why you should:

1. Good for your Health.  Seriously.  Apparently they can lower your blood pressure and help relieve your stress. Anyone who has ever spent some time petting an animal knows the feeling. They are sensitive to your moods too.  Miss Annie climbed in bed with me this morning because she knew I was feeling sad about my boys leaving town for a few days.

2. Teaches Responsibility. Animals take patience and a lot of work. If you have kids, this is a big plus, because they learn to feed the pet daily, clean up after them when they do their business in the yard and have to walk them or play with them. My kids take turns feeding Annie, and they have to pick up her poop in the backyard weekly. 

3. Protection. I heard it again and again that some of the best protection you can have for your home is a dog.  Plus, if you live alone, there is the added bonus of not being so lonely... Annie is such a people-pleaser though...she loves everyone, so she's not a huge protection...although she's big and might intimidate some.

4. Exercise.  Whether you walk your dog daily or play with it in the yard, you get exercise and the pet gets exercise.  It's a win-win situation!  Annie loves to play fetch with a tennis ball.  She also loves to swim. 

5. Clean Up.  Dropped a bowl of macaroni on the floor?  Dogs will clean that up for you.  Tired of leftovers?  Dogs will help you out there too.  Yes, I know, people food isn't something you should feed your pet regularly, but now and then won't hurt, right?  Annie took a chicken nugget out of the hand of a toddler the other day...I was horrified!  She's usually much more polite about sneaking food. 

Seriously.  Pets will improve your life...but don't buy impulsively!  Do your research!  Figure out which pet will work best in your life...and even which breed will fit your lifestyle.  But, adopting Annie was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  And my boys agree!!



Camera Critters




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh I agree! Pets are essential to well being. That's one lovely pup!

Misty DawnS said...

I ♥ Annie :-)

Carletta said...

Whether your shot is SOOC or processed I love the vintage look of the image.
Miss Annie looks like a sweetheart!

I agree to choose what fits your life. Kitties fit our style. :)

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Nice portrait of sweet Miss Annie.
I agree with you, keeping a pet has many good sides.

Regards!

Twiggy said...

Great photo. I really like that look. Miss Annie is beautiful, she looks as a very clever and calm girl.

Cheryl said...

She is adorable! I still can't bring myself to get another pet. So far I'm barely keeping the houseplants alive!

Kay L. Davies said...

You are so right, Rhea. And a rescue dog can make two seniors a family, as well.
We adopted our Golden Retriever, Lindy, two years ago, and she has really brought an extra dimension to our marriage. She is now six years old, but, inevitably, we refer to her as "the baby" and she gets lots and lots of hugs.
Like your Miss Annie, she has a lovely smiley face and doesn't bark when anyone comes into the house, but she knows when I need help and will go to my husband's home office to tell him.
I really enjoyed your post. It's interesting, informative and might make a big difference in someone's life.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Chubskulit Rose said...

She is adorable! Right now, we have a JRT who is very hyper but soon we are planning to get a lab or a retriever. Thanks a lot for the comments.

Rachel said...

She is super cute! I totally believe in the love and devotion a pet can add to your life... but especially when that pet is a labrador.

Sivinden said...

She looks so friendly - and she has a good home:)

Sicilian said...

Excellent post. I've just posted up the story of our latest family edition Allie.
Ciao

eileeninmd said...

I love labradors. They are such great dogs. Your is adorable. I am so happy she was rescued and has a good home.

SharleneT said...

I can't imagine life without a pet and have gotten mine from rescue as well as breeding kennels where the mothers are no longer wanted after four or five years of breeding. These lovely ladies have at least another eight to ten years left and they are so grateful. Your Lab is adorable. Come visit when you can.