an ode to pets

There are certain things that every human needs to survive. Most of them are very basic needs that are necessary for our bodies to physically function- like food, water, sleep, and oxygen. Some are more arguable, like the need for technology or goals to aspire to achieve. But one thing people always seem to forget about is how dependent we are on companionship. If you've ever watched the movie Cast Away, then you know that it's hard to be stuck on a desert island without a friend to make you smile and support you. Any comrade helps, even if it's just a volleyball that you talk to which you also name Wilson. 
​

Best buddy Wilson.

We always keep our family and friends close to us, asking them for advice and assisting them, but we can also gain a lot from relationships with animals. I, myself, have never had a real pet, other than a few goldfish that didn't last very long. The closest I've ever been to having an actual pet was when a big German Shepherd followed my dad home when he went on a walk and refused to turn away. If my dad stopped, the dog stopped. If he walked, the dog walked. She was such an obedient, well-trained, happy animal that just came out of nowhere and decided that my dad was a good person to trail home. Unfortunately, we weren't able to keep her, but every now and then we wonder where she came from and why she chose us. Even in those few hours our family was able to form a bond with this dog, and I find that so incredible.

---

There are a lot of qualities that we can learn from dogs- ones that sometimes we forget about when we talk to our own friends. I think the most important ones are how they are always ready to listen to everything that you have to say. Sure, they wouldn't be able to speak to us if they wanted to, but many times just sitting and being able to really hear what someone needs to say is enough as it is. All they have to do is be understanding of whatever is being said- and they do that just by providing listening with no judgement or unsolicited advice. Having someone validate your feelings when you're frustrated is so important. It's something that pets are generally always able to do, and something that humans sometimes aren't able to do.  

---

On Saturdays where I live, there's a program called Lucky Dog that plays, where an animal trainer rescues dogs and trains them to be model pets for a family that wants a dog. I remember one specific episode where an elderly man wants a puppy so that he wouldn't be lonely while his wife, who had dementia, stayed in a nursing home. It was nice to see how happy that man was to meet his new puppy- and how happy his wife was too. So this is just a tiny reminder to try and be more like pets: understanding, loyal, and always making people smile!

•••
Happy Puppies!
thanks for reading & leave a comment!
(tell me about your pet!)