How about this year, instead of a puppy, you can consider SAVING a shelter dog (or cat - young or old)?

Big or small, or both...it is a responsibility for sure. I know. I sometimes think my life would have more freedom if I didn't have 2 dogs to figure out what to do with if I want to go away somewhere. THANKFULLY, I have a wonderful friend who loves me and loves my fur babies and brings hers to join in the fun (chaos) but fun.

Here's the thing: animals teach you unconditional love.

Let me put that out there again: ANIMALS TEACH YOU UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. Yes, they TEACH YOU. Because YOU NEED IT.

10 other reasons why you own a pet:

1. They are always happy to see you. Leave a room, come back in it. Leave the house, come back in it. Go to bed, wake up.

2. They emote therapeutic vibes. Yep, when an animal looks you in your eyes, it has been said that they are assessing YOUR emotional status and determining ways to communicate/connect with you. Hence, therapy.

3. They bond with you. Once done, you are theirs and they are yours.

4. They are 100% trainable. If you complain about your dog's behaviors, they can be handled or they are just going to be their quirks. Guess what? YOU HAVE QUIRKS TOO. LOL, you ought to have heard me over the years on this one. Sam is also referred to as Dennis the Menace because he IS that! (* he's the white lab, german shepherd mix I adopted from Riverside County's animal shelter last January. It took over 6 months to get him truly settled...still an ongoing journey but he is constantly praised for his beauty and his sweetness.)

5. They will protect you. Big or small alike, that is in their nature.

6. They will teach you that to give is better than to receive. So, clean up after them is what you do. Hate it as you will, it is reminding you that caring for a life will only bring you joy. (I don't like the poop pick-up part either, but that's life.)

7. They will teach you that material things DON'T matter in the end. But, laughter does.

8. They will teach you patience. I think I will leave this one alone because it will be an ongoing journey. But, remember #7 and you will be fine.

9. They will teach you sacrifice. Finances, freedoms, couches, a favorite or expensive pair of shoes (how they know which one is, is beyond me - maybe that's God's way of showing you what matters)...you can add to this!

10. They will show you how big your heart can grow and how bad your heart can break. They do not live as long as we do. When they go, you will know just how big your heart grew to love and how broken it is because they are not there anymore. They will become a part of your memories that will never go. You will always talk about them. You will always cry, smile and laugh when you do.

I imagine you can find other reasons than those I listed here this morning.

But, I just couldn't scroll away from this news article (yes, you will have to have a subscription to read it or maybe they will let you have a free run) without saying something. LA Times article on animals being killed at LA county shelters 12/2023

Help these animals find their human homes. Don't give up on an animal you bring home just because they won't bend to your lifestyle in a few weeks. IT IS 100% NORMAL FOR AN ANIMAL TO NEED MONTHS TO ADJUST. So, let it happen and be patient. Watch your new pet and learn their ways, then help them to learn new ones. You will make mistakes. You will lose your cool. SO WHAT! Shake it off and get back to that pet, say you are sorry, and, believe me, they will understand and they will strive to obey you. If you need help, get a trainer, go to a pet training lesson - they are out there. BUT, DON'T GIVE UP ON THE ANIMAL!

Ok, that's it...LOL. You can tell that I am passionate about this. But, it's because of what I have experienced and come to understand over the years. I wouldn't change a thing. Boy, did I learn about unconditional love over the years too.

So, adopt a pet from a shelter. Especially, high kill ones. God knows these animals will need you.