Pet therapy: Tell us about your four-legged friend! 🐾

Having a pet is great and I always want to have one in my house. It's a pity that I'm always busy and have enough time for them. I don't want them to be kept in a house in a whole day. [This content has been moderated by an administrator]

We have always had dogs in our 50+ year marriage, and each has had a distinct personality and role in our lives. About four years ago, we rescued a little 8-lb Yorkie from a puppy mill that was raided near here. She had lived in a cage for seven years having litter after litter of puppies. She had not received proper care or nutrition and had no teeth. This little dog was scared to death. She stayed in a huge dog bed under our dining room table for a few months. We also have a chihuahua mix and we call her our mean girl, but even she displayed patience while we worked with this little dog to teach her about the world. We named her Sassy Pants and it took us months to teach her about going in and out the doggy door. Once she mastered that, her personality started to bloom as she figured out she had the freedom to roam the yard, chase the pesky squirrels, and notify anyone walking by that she is here to guard her kingdom. After four years, Sassy Pants has become a bold and bossy little ball of fur who makes us laugh every single day! She continues to learn new things all of the time. Sassy Pants can tell time (apparently), and keeps us informed about walk time, dinner time, and when it's been too long since a car ride. We were concerned at first that she would not be good in the car considering her background, but she absolutley loves car rides above all else! When we say the word ride, she becomes Tigger and runs in circles, jumping with excitement, and heads to the car.

How can I feel bad about my own health when I have this little companion to remind me that life goes on and we can redefine ourselves when necessary. I've embraced my new normal and accepted a slower pace of life. I can sit with Sassy Pants on my lap for comfort, or watch her explore the world and laugh at her antics. Either way, she has provided love, demonstrated strength, and gives unconditional love every single day. Whether I'm having a good health day or a bad one, she is there with her adorable face and happy attitude. She has changed so much since she arrived, and she has changed us, too. Our mean girl Cocoa Bean is now best friends with Sassy Pants, and we can't imagine life without them.

My buddy’s name is Bennie who is a 5 year old part Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua. He keeps me on my toes.