Four-Legged Family Members

I did not grow up with dog in our family, but I was raised up in a place where there were several dogs around. They were not pet dogs. They were farm dogs and guard dogs. Those dogs were brave and I thought then it was dangerous to be near them. I had never seen them with toys and never did I see them playing around. Some dogs were placed in cages where they can barely move freely. Way back then, I thought that the life a dog had was really sad. I wondered then what was happiness to them. At young age, I had a perception about dogs of having one purpose and that was to serve their master with nothing in return but foods. I had no thoughts of fair and mutual relationships between dogs and humans.

When my family moved to another place, I had seen people with pet dogs. Almost 100% of them said that their dog is family. But I had also seen people abandoned and abused their dogs. During my childhood years, I was really scared of dogs. But things had changed when my friend`s family had to move to another country and having their two dogs with them was not possible. It broke my heart looking at the two dogs to be left behind. I saw sadness in their eyes. They seemed to understand what was going to happen then. I was not sure, but I offered myself to have the dogs without hesitations knowing that they won`t be coming back.

It was a quick decision, but one of the best decisions I had ever made in my life. It was not easy for me because I`ve never had a pet before, but they seemed to know and tried to help me how to be a good fur mama to them. I started to learn and understand their behaviour. It turned out that the two dogs are amazing in every way one could ever think of. Everyday they show their gratitude and though they`re unable to express themselves in words, I feel their sincerity, loyalty and unconditional love. They are now in their twilight years yet they never stop giving me happiness and I`ve never been tired of giving them the care and love they deserve. They now have three younger siblings, all adopted. The 5 four-legged members of my family are getting on well together and does make me a very proud fur mama. I do realize that I had changed their lives to a better one when I adopted them, but they too had changed mine!

Owning a dog is a commitment. Once we decide to own a dog, a commitment comes with it from day 1 until the end of its life. Aside from providing them with their basic needs like food, water and safe environment, we must don`t forget to give them attention/quality time, love and care. And a regular vet visit is a must to do just to ensure their wellness. When our dogs will be old and ill, we need to recognize when to let go...when to stop the agony. Always think of the words " quality of life". Give them the happy life they need and the quality of life they deserve. Dogs are amazing creation of our Creator. They deserve to be treated with LOVE, RESPECT and DIGNITY.