Need more love?
Every evening as I approach my front step there is a sense of pure happiness and love the comes over me. Not because I’m “home”, not because the days stress is melting into evening relaxation…but because of Tucker. Tucker was a find through my Humane Society in Jackson Michigan. He has certainly made my journey more interesting, frustrating and enjoyable! He cannot wait for the door to open so he can receive caresses, scratches and kisses that I give him when I walk in. His whole body wiggles and waves like a fish swimming upstream. His soft ears fold back against his head and his eyes soften as small whimpers clear his throat. It is truly a moment filled with just….being happy for both of us. 
In the morning while trying to make myself presentable and motivate myself for the day another pure moment of happiness occurs. Jasper awaits at his post on our bed. From the first sight of me emerging from the bathroom he immediately makes his move into what the girls and I now affectionately call “the fabio”! He flips on his back with his puffy paws in the air, looking at you and releases a loud meow. That would be the signal to begin the petting and playing. Together we tease and play just enjoying the attention we both give one another. It makes me smile just thinking about it. 
These two precious beings in my life are a few of many. Mac, Wendal, KayKay, Gidget, Maddie, Dorie, Sasha, Cookie, Muffin, Tigger, Nicky 1 and Nicky 2…. I have been an animal lover since my memory can recall. They have all brought such unconditional joy and love to my life as well as my girls lives.
The benefit of having these creatures as part of our family has been great for my girls. They have learned patience, kindness, empathy, selflessness, responsibility and what it truly means to put something besides yourself first at times. I can’t imagine my house without animals nor could my daughters.
Though it is a fact that unfortunately their lives don’t follow the same pathway and timeline that ours do, the impact they have on us can be profound. I’m proud to say that all of the animals I have had the pleasure to care for have been “muts”. Pure breeds almost without question are welcomed into good homes. But the ones that weren’t planned for, the ones that find themselves without care or worse abused are the ones I gravitate to. We all deserve kindness and someone to notice you exist. My family has all lived and loved animals…as much as they sometimes try to hide it, Dad!
I believe my girls lives are richer for our animals. If you have the heart, the commitment and the time to welcome an animal into your home I can recommend it highly!
