Thankful Thursdays

“It may be a dog, a cat, a bird, a ferret, or a guinea pig, but the chances are high that when someone close to you dies, a pet will be there to pick up the slack. Pets devour the loneliness. They give us purpose, responsibility, a reason for getting up in the morning, and a reason to look to the future. They ground us, help us escape the grief, make us laugh, and take full advantage of our weakness by exploiting our furniture, our beds, and our refrigerator. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Pets are our seat belts on the emotional roller coaster of life–they can be trusted, they keep us safe, and they sure do smooth out the ride.” – N. Trout

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Today’s post is dedicated to our furry companions. A big thanks to those of you who contributed the wonderful photos and heartfelt words below. You rock!

I’ll start it off with NERVOUS NELLY. Ten years ago, Nervous Nelly found us and decided to adopt us. She has been a loyal and constant presence in our lives ever since. We are so grateful to have her. ❤️

And this of course is BENI HEINZ. He was a surprise, courtesy of Lauren. Lucky for us, he decided to keep us. ?
Lauren:  Thankful for Beni because he reminds me to be compassionate and patient. His love is like no other and he truly brings me peace whenever I’m having a chaotic life moment.

Next we have COCOABELLE the chihuahua and HARLEY the boxer. They own Gabe.
Gabe: Thank you for being there. For helping us through the dark times we were going through. Thank you for always greeting us when we walked through the door or running out thinking you were going on an adventure with us.

This is LUCY. She adopted the Velasquez family.
Tuti:  We rescued this baby about 6 years ago and she has been the best friend we could ask for. Lucy has made us complete and give us so much love, we are lucky to have her. ❤️

HARLEY, MAGGIE and ELY totally rule over Nancy and Al.
Nancy:  I’m thankful for all the unconditional love and happiness I receive from my furry children Harley, Maggie and Ely.

CASTLE. This dude hangs out with the Garcia clan.
Cary:  The youngest member of the García clan. Thank you for all the love you provide to us each day. Seeing you when I get home from work brings a smile to my face regardless of how stressful the day has been.

ARIA, EMILY, EINSTEIN and MONTY. Elicia and Mildred are constantly entertained by these stars. 
Elicia and Mildred:  Not sure how we managed before our fur-babies, but thanks to them we live a happy and balanced life: Aria handles Play time; Emily keeps us Laughing; Einstein makes sure we get plenty of Rest; and Monty handles all levels of Security. Every day is a great day with our special cast of characters and we are grateful!

We now interrupt this dog lovefest to bring you ELLIE.
Kristin:  I’m thankful for her because she helped me through a tough time in my life. She is always so happy to see me and loves me whenever she can. She’s truly a one in a kind cat!

And we’re back to the pooches, but with a little twist. I give you ROSIE and GOTHAM.
Vicky:  I am thankful for my pets , Rosie and Gotham, because they always give me a sense of peace even during the hardest of days. I am so thankful for their unconditional love.

This is CHIEF, boss of the Quintero family.
Ralph:  We’re thankful for him for reminding us to always have fun, to take time to toss the ball around, and to find joy in the little things 🙂 oh and to have that extra cookie 🙂

Her name was LOLA, she was a showgirl…(sorry, that name brings to mind Manilow singing Copacabana. Chillin’ Lola is Elen’s owner.
Elen:  Thankful for her because she lights up my day no matter how difficult it has been ?

LOKI is a quarantine savior.
Samantha:  I’m so thankful this little guy got me through quarantine last year. He’s honestly the best thing that got me through the work day while working from home!

BONGO adopted Emoy and Ciara.
Emoy:  Our new addition to our home and a loving puppy. I am so thankful that he has brought comfort, companion and a playfulness to our home.

LUCKY is the Campana family that he found them!
Lauren C.:  My family adopted him after my brother found him on the street after he had run away from his previous owner. I named him Lucky because Lucky came into my life when I needed a friend when starting a new chapter of my life and he needed a family and a safe place to home. 

PIPO, a name any Cuban dog would love. I hear he makes cafecito for the Rodriguez family.
Ledys:  My loyal, forgiving, faithful companion, therapy dog, consoler, patient & kind, knows when I’m feeling down, sad or ill, best co-worker, but best of all he’s the best alarm clock I’ve ever had. I just say “Pipo tomorrow wake me up at 5:30” [or any time I choose] and I kid you not, he does!!!

This dog-free commercial is brought to you by SMOKEY NOELLE, MOOSE, ANGELBOY and MISS MILLIE.
Barbie:  Smokey Noelle, my senior love, made me see it was okay to open my heart again. Which, in turn, led me to Moose, AngelBoy and Miss Millie, found them as newborns under my car, mom was run over. Smokey passed soon after. I call them my furry heartbeats and I am grateful for their love, purrs and sassy ‘tudes.

CHARLOTTE, HERBIE and LAYLA. This trio has Elizabeth’s heart.
Elizabeth: I am thankful for Herbie, Charlotte and Layla because they make me feel loved and needed.  When they greet me at the door or cuddle on my lap, it fills me with warmth and tenderness and gives me a rush of endorphins. 

And that’s a wrap, folks!

Maybe the biggest reason to be thankful for our pets is that, no matter how imperfect we are or how many mistakes we make, THEY are thankful for us.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
-J. Grogan