How do they know?

I am surrounded by furry babies. Are they in tune with my grief? Dack is free to roam the house since he was always with Kleine due to her having to be separated from Katie. He's here, snuggled up next to me, snoring.

How do they know that their nearness comforts me? How do they know my heart hurts for Kleine and their closeness warms me? I believe our pets are far more in tune with our emotions that anyone might believe.

Its been years since my own children have sought comfort in my lap since they are grown and "too big for that." It's not the hugs, as those are plenty when we see them. It's the closeness. They find their own comfort as young women, and don't need the smothering love of Mom. Not in that way any way. But these dogs are my "children", and I am responsible for their care. They look to us for everything, but give us SO much more than we could ever give them. Food and shelter is just part of it. We do shower them with attention. What they give in return I cannot even find words to describe.

How sad is it that what I get from my pets outweighs what I "get" from my girls. It's normal for them to distance themselves from me and seek comfort and acceptance from their peers. I get that part. What my pets provide in the way of comfort and love is unmeasurable. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for my kids.....nothing. But I think the list of "what I wouldn't do for my pets" doesn't exist either. They are my friends. They are the listeners when no one else is here or able to listen. (or is simply ignoring me because I know I am a pain at times) They are my buddies.

When one of them is hurt or sick, I act....and take care of it. It was the same when Holly or Sarah needed something. Or what we do now. Drive across town and any time of the day to give one of them what they need. These furry friends don't "ask"for anything. They are appreciative of whatever we give, and their thankfulness shows on their faces.

I am obsessed with my pets. It's obvious to me, and I probably sound totally off my rocker. Hopefully it's what people find endearing about me. My compassion for animals......putting my loved ones always first, my devotion to friends. Its how I view myself to the world.

So here I sit surrounded by furry, snoring, snuggling friends. I am reminded of the hours of comfort they've given me during times of grief, sickness, sadness, or whenever I just needed a friend.

I FIRMLY believe our pets choose us (as I said in my blog about Kleine) I don't know how they do it or why, but they choose us. I picked Dack up at the pet store, and he licked my nose with his tiny little tongue. Immediately, I said "sold." It didn't matter how we'd pay for him, he was coming home with me. A done deal. Jager's picture captured my heart and there wasn't anything anyone was going to say or do to keep me from driving to Spokane to get him. That's exactly what we did. From a picture, he'd stolen my heart. Again, he was named before we ever "met" him. And Katie. I saw pictures of her and the living conditions (her cage etc) and I knew we had to adopt her. It was a done deal. I re-named her Ruby...as that's my nickname for her. I've worked with her to help with her issues of desertion and separation issues. The only thing that is bad about this dog is that she simply could not be around Kleine without wanting to rip her neck out. I don't get it.

They all chose me. I am their "momma"....and I am proud that these animals love me this way. They fill a void in me that has been left empty by my mature girls, missing family members, and the lack of friends being present. I'm the dog lady LOL Simply.

I couldn't find a picture of Dack. I know there is one on the external harddrive. I'll have to remember to post one soon.

Doggie notes: snoring; everyone loves treats; squeekie toys don't last long; No one loves the momma more; whatever you're eating, it looks good and you must share; pillows are meant to be shared; they are never so happy as when someone new comes home...even if they just went outside for a moment; they'll watch any on tv as long as you're there too; no makeup....no problem......