Thankfulness
(for best friends)
by Shelly Guidotti

Be thankful you have torn tennis shoes - for it means you have a healthy, spirited puppy.

Be thankful when an entire roll of toilet paper is strewn across your living room - your cat still has plenty of "cattitude" ... "I can do whatever I want, whenever I want!"

Be thankful when your pets jump up to greet you - arthritis is not affecting their ability to be themselves.

Be thankful when they wake you in the middle of the night to go outside - it means they still can, on their own.

Be thankful your pet needs grooming - it makes you take quality time out for both of you.

Be thankful when it's time to pay for vaccinations - it means your pet has no other health problems.

Be thankful when your pet seems to cling to you when you go out the door - you have unconditional love waiting when you return.

Be thankful when you find the cat in the Christmas tree - you're together for the holidays.

Be thankful for veterinarians and their assistants who sacrifice daily to serve as the healers, and carry the burden when it's time to "let go."

Be thankful each time your pet jumps in your lap. The day will come when those memories are all you will have to hold onto.

More from Shelly Guidotti: http://www.therealmartha.com/PLUS%20Syndrome/index.htm ~ Pets Love Unconditionally Syndrome

http://www.therealmartha.com/justmydog/index.htm ~ S/he's NOT just a dog
http://www.therealmartha.com/journey/index.htm ~ Companion animal tribute
http://members.aol.com/Libbyk9/Ultimatestyle.index.html ~ Written by a friend when I lost Lib to liver failure at almost 14, was a huge help)

Meet the Shelter Sweeties: http://www.therealmartha.com/adopt/index.htm

Follow links on each page above to lots more (educational and entertaining).

I'm thinking about doing a grateful page. Could be anything from heroics to stupid stuff that cracks you up. Putting some thought into my list now. Tops for any critter would be just being there to listen - or chasing us out of bed when facing the world didn't sound too great. For that matter, being the warm body needed in bed. Most useful was always, "Gotta go, dog needs to be fed ... "

Ode to a Little Dog

Bobo

I'm thankful for you, puppy mine
Who looks at me with eyes so kind.
I'm thankful for your cold, wet nose
And clicking nails on tiny toes.

You brighten up the darkest day
By bringing joy and smiles my way.
The funny little things you do
Warm my heart and cheer me too.

And when you curl up for a nap
I know you dream, as pups are apt.
Your little legs are running through
Fields of fantasy for you.

For wild and free you never were
A captive spirit, that's for sure.
But you have made my house, your home
And far from it, you never roam.

I pledge to you, my little friend
My love and care will never end.
For all the days you live with me
You'll never want and never need.

This I say in gratitude
For love unbound and ever true.
My little dog, we'll never part
You'll always be within my heart.
Sue W.

Sue always comes up with the right touch, however, your thoughts certainly don't have to rhyme. And don't worry about punctuation or grammar - just say it from the heart. I can fix any slipups.

MarthaJones1@aol.com or LibbyK9@aol.com

Please use a clearly defined subject line. Due to virus threats and tons of junk, I delete unknowns - Thanks!