Reason #15: The constant companionship...the quiet kind.

You know when you want company but don't want the constant chatter? Well animals fit the bill nicely. Gardening for me is one of those times.  I lucked out this afternoon when my kids and their friends (a party of 10) decided to relocate from my yard to a neighbors'.  My girl Wrigley stayed back and hung out with me and we had a great, peaceful time. :)

Reason #14: They don't give you a guilt trip (at least not in words)!!

We are gearing up for our summer family vacation and I have not had any anxiety about it until we were at PetSmart stocking up on pet supplies for the pet sitter.  I spent WAY too much time in there trying to talk myself down from over-buying "stuff" for my pets to fix the guilt I feel for leaving them! I know they will be in the best hands possible but when a pet becomes part of your family, not including them in something is tough for me.  I especially feel sad to leave the newest member of the family, our kitten, Timone.  We have not parted since we rescued him at under 1 pound and he slept on a hot water bottle.  However, my kids have absolutely NO trouble telling me how they NEED all this new stuff for vacation: new swimsuit, shoes, hair do-dads, sunglasses, and toys.  I even almost got persuaded to buy a Nintendo DS on sale for my youngest!  Huh?!?  And yet, all my furry children need are some food, water, potty locale, some attention and belly rubs.  And they don't do the "awww" when you don't buy them an Icee at Target!!! 
Man, I'm mean!  :)

I just went out to get the mail, kids!  Talk about guilt trip!
(Sorry the resolution is rough, it's through the window screen)

Reason #13: Animals go with the flow.

School is out!!!  I am ready for the lazy mornings, not coming up with new and interesting cold lunches, not assisting with school projects and homework, being able to stay up late, catching fireflies, making s'mores, working in the garden, reading a book while at the pool, and catching up with friends.  However, some can not transition as well.  I have already heard friends complain that their kids are bored!  Bored?!  On the first day?!  I put those kiddos of mine right to work when they started doing the blank wander throughout the house.  "Here's a project.   Let's have you clean out your craft closet and get ready for vacation and the summer."  After a few deep sighs, they got into it and of course, so did our kitten.  Where there are new events going on, you can be sure to see one or all of our pets in the mix and checking out the activities...without complaining!




Timone is overseeing the
progress!

 

Don't throw out this cool binder!

This looks like a great hiding space!

Reason #12: Their past is not their life story.

I am guilty of this!  My mother to this day says I am/was such a picky eater because I had colic as a newborn! I do not appear to have missed a meal.  :)  I have blamed my parent's divorce for reasons why I had trouble dating and yet I have a wonderful husband!!  I have heard friends of mine blame their health issues today because of what their parents fed them 30 years ago!  Crazy, isn't it?  We can find a million excuses for how we act or behave due to something that occurred years ago.  With animals, not so much.  My kitten was thrown away like garbage, riddled with fleas to the point he was anemic and yet he is the most friendly and lovable pet I have ever had.  

This is a wonderful story from our favorite animal shelter.  A pit-bull mix was treated horrifically and left for dead and still when the shelter picked her up she wagged her tail and was ready to be loved!  I ran in their first 5k to support the shelter and all the great things they do.  It's a must-read.

Animal House's Dash for Dogs Helping Save Animals

huntley.patch.com

Inaugural fundraiser assists no-kill shelter in saving animals.


I am runner 138.  Good thing this photo was
taken at the beginning...I looked beet red
after from the 90 degree heat!



Cool product!!! Cat-Library™

I LOVE to read (when I have the time) and really want this cool bookshelf!!  Even the cat in the promo looks like my kitten!!  It was meant to be!  (at least I will try that angle with the hubby) :)

Reason #11: Animals inspire us to be more compassionate.

I had the "dreaded" garage sale over the weekend.  It's not that I do not like getting a great deal or getting rid of things that are no longer useful, but the preparation and commitment of a garage sale is not my favorite way to spend a weekend.  I did luck out with one great day of weather but unfortunately the second day was rainy and gloomy.  I was shocked that people still came out to view my garage of "junk" but I was also impressed with the enthusiasm my daughters and their friends had to "go on with the show" of their lemonade and treat stand.  I was so proud of my girls when they told me a few weeks prior that they wanted to sell lemonade and treats and give the money to our favorite animal shelter, Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL.!!!  Their friends and neighbors helped out and they raised almost $30.00!!!  I look forward to sending in the check with their happy and proud faces knowing they made a difference.

Reason #10: Inner peace

I have not posted in over a month!!  I am still learning how to find the balance of it all (ie: life)!!  I truly had some writer's block and when I saw this email from my Aunt in addition to saying goodbye to our foster kitties and coming off of a 6 hour Yoga teacher training class...I just HAD to post the email!  So true and funny!

INNER PEACE

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand why your loved ones are busy and can't give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without alcohol,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then you are probably.....

The Family Dog!

Namaste!