Do you have animals in your life? If yes, what do they mean to you? If no, why have you opted not to?
*****************************
We don’t have a pet any more. We chose not to mostly because a pet needs companionship. A dog does, at least. Because I’m home very little, and Terry tends to be in and out all day, we felt a dog wouldn’t get the attention it needs and deserves.
We do, however, have a doggie-in-law. We’ve enjoyed this little guy for about 14 years now, and he’s showing his age more and more often. He’s a Maltese-dachshund mix, with a pretty little Maltese face and a long daschsund body. We gave him to our daughter as a Christmas gift 14 years ago, and he’s is definitely her dog. In this picture, however, he’s found a cozy spot near our son-in-law’s feet.
He’s very affectionate, as Maltese do think they belong on a lap and never on the floor. He’s very mild-tempered, although the dachshund agression can come to the surface under certain provocation. He’s been a part of the family for so long, I can’t imagine going there and not being greeted by the little guy. These days, he’s mostly deaf, and a little slow to realize someone has come to visit. He comes to get his little head scratched, and then he wanders off to a quiet place for some more sleep.
Dogs are great. We had two while the kids were growing up, and they were well-loved. We still laugh at the funny stories we remember about our Springer spaniel, Tick. What a nut! He kept us entertained, and we still miss him.
Just Writing! 
We always had dogs growing up. Mom is allergic to cats. The boys tried guinea pigs once, but they didn’t survive very long, I don’t remember why. My furbabies are going to be 13 this summer. I don’t like to think of them getting older and crossing the Rainbow Bridge. I’d be lost without them. Their unconditional love and companionship is crucial to my mental health and stability. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Oh, my dog. | The Hempstead Man