February 20th was National Love Your Pet Day…

Apparently on this pawticular holiday (creator still unknown) pet parents all over the country were asked to give their four legged loved ones extra love and attention. I can’t even imagine how that could be possible in our house, given the royalty status both Doods already hold.

As it is – people are whispering behind my back about how spoiled the Boys are! #folksbetalkingaboutme

REAPING THE BENEFITS – 

However, reading all the tributes and love stories about people and their pets did make me wonder – 

in this special relationship between the Boys and I, who’s REALLY reaping the benefits?

Hands (and paws) down I would have to say it is I. 

Harley and Jaxson have no idea how much they’ve enriched my life. Nothing that lives and breathes can love, play, protect and soothe like a pet. 

Therefore, regardless of this holiday called National Love Your Pet Day, I shall attempt to describe how EVERYDAY I have nothing but love for my homies who have taught me so much.

SEVEN DAYS OF LOVE – 

SUNDAY – 

A day to refuel your soul and be grateful for your blessings. Take a deep breath and relax.

Watching Jaxson wander off and perch himself somewhere for a spell has inspired “me time.” During the latter part of the day (generally on Sunday’s) I find myself sitting still, doing nothing, and purposefully – very slowly mapping out my strategy for the week/day ahead.

I don’t write anything down, there’s no pressure. Just a mental stroll through the next few days acknowledging what needs to get done and how I plan to accomplish it. I’m having great success.

MONDAY – 

Monday’s are for fresh starts.

No matter what happened before Jax went to sleep, once he’s up, it’s a new day! So for me, I’ve adopted that principle on Mondays. I’d like to say I think about it every morning, but that would be a #tailwaggingtale

Embracing this practice on Monday seems to last most of the week, and when it doesn’t – there’s always another Sunday coming around.

TUESDAY – 

Don’t wait for the pawfect moment, TAKE the moment and MAKE it pawfect.

Moments worth remembering are always going to include someone else. Generally it’s when your actions are spontaneous and you live in that moment! During volunteer orientation last month, Jax walked up to a stranger (who was sitting alone) and insisted on getting in his face. It was the first time this volunteer smiled, and he continued to smile the rest of the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY – 

Throw kindness around like confetti.

Too often we tend to become so complacent with our own lives that we rarely see the opportunity to spread a little joy around. Our dogs however, take advantage of every single opportunity and I love being in the mix.

Volunteering out at the airport we met a super excited bride to be. She was meeting her bridal party in Charleston for a weekend bash before her May wedding in California. Her plane arrived first and she hung out with Harley and I until the others landed. After the loud salutations complete with screams, hugs and laughter – she insisted on introducing them all to Harley.

I have met many people in Harley’s presence – and I’ve enjoyed all the encounters!

THURSDAY – 

Some say Thursday – we say Friday Eve.

Life doesn’t need to be serious all-the-time. The Boys are masters at making sure I remember and maintain the right amount of balance each and every day.

I’m learning that it’s not only me who catches the positive vibes either – my co-workers get a little silly in his presence also.

FRIDAY – 

there’s only one legitimate synonym for Friday – #boomshakalaka

“Giving it all you’ve got” seems to be Jaxson’s mantra. He’s at work with me on Friday, so as we close out the week – I do my best to follow suit. Just like Monday is for new starts, Friday is for those “in your face” big finishes.

SATURDAY – 

A good day to just have a good day.

Chores have always monopolized my Saturdays. They still do, but thanks to the Boys, I’ve learned between laundry, dusting, and grocery shopping it’s okay to stop and carry a big stick if I choose to. Everything else will still be there when I’m finished playing with that stick. #canigetanamen

ONLY SEVEN DAYS IN THE WEEK –

“Someday” isn’t one of them, so live each day like it’s the best day of your life, then smile at the memory when today becomes yesterday. #blessed

Have your pets taught you valuable lessons? ❤️