Life is so ironic. It brings to mind all the little things about animals that perplex me. For instance, why is it that the dog that is impossible to give a pill to, no matter what you hide it in or mix it with, they find it and spit it out, or if you try to stuff it down them they manage to regurgitate it back up, will find human medication on the floor and gulp it down with enthusiasm, thus requiring a trip to the vet?
Why do cats get picky about the brand of cat litter you choose? When you buy the best and most expensive kind, they suddenly change their mind and decide to use your laundry for a litter box instead.
Why do we long for a “smart” dog, and when we have one, they are so smart they teach themselves how to open the refrigerator and help themselves to the leftovers?
Why are dogs so addicted to garbage? I've seen teamwork in action! I now have a cabinet to put the trash can in but before that I used to set it up on top of the kitchen island at night, out of reach of the dogs. Then my “smart” cat would get up on the island and hurl herself at the top of the trash can, tipping it over and spilling the contents on the floor for the dogs and cat to eat.
Why do dogs that love to swim in ponds hate to have baths? Why do they go out and roll in something disgusting after you've spent 2 hours washing them and making them pretty?
Why do dogs that bark and growl at people who are harmless, suddenly turn into quivering masses of jelly when it’s a REAL bad guy at the door? Some watchdog!
Then I'm reminded of why after dealing with all the headaches pets can cause, we still love them so much.
Nobody greets you like a dog! You could simply step outside for a minute to get the mail and when you come back inside; your dog greets you with such enthusiasm! Wow! You're back! I've missed you! Wag, wag, wag!
When you are down, there’s always a cold nose nuzzling you and licking away your tears. If you are sick they will lay beside you or on top of you, keeping you warm, unlike the rest of the humans in the house who don't want to get your germs.
There is no such thing as an empty lap at my house. Somebody is going to come and fill it up. If you are visiting and you aren't particularly fond of animals, no worries, they will come directly to you and work hard to change your mind by pestering you the most.
Nobody loves you like your pets do. They may not be able to tell you in words, but they show it in ways we take for granted every single day. They don't yell or complain, they don't gripe about your housekeeping or what you made for dinner. They are satisfied with any little crumbs of affection you share with them. They look at you with adoration in their eyes, happy to just be in the same room as you. No human does all that.
Pets are a source of comfort and love; they give us companionship, lower our blood pressure, and listen to us when we've had a bad day. They make us laugh, keep us young, and give us a purpose for being when we just can't seem to find any other reason.
In the end, I guess it really doesn't matter that there is extra cleaning up to do around here. The love we receive in return is worth it. Excuse me, but I feel the need to go hug some 4-legged members of my family right now. I hope you do too.
Aren't dogs just awesome?!
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