This week, I am dog sitting! We are keeping my "niece," Caramel, and she is currently snuggling up against my foot. Last night, after dinner, Eric cuddled up to our dog on one end of the bed, and Caramel stretched out between us. There was such a contented feeling in the room as we snuggled our fur babies. The presence of pets brings a lot of joy and comfort to our home. Our puppy (i.e., our six-year-old golden retriever) has blessed our house and our relationship. In fact, we have a hard time understanding people who do not want pets – even though we respect their decision. … [Read more...]
Experience the Love of Cuddly Creatures Together!
There is a reason so many of us “waste” valuable time watching cat and dog videos. They are so stinkin’ cute and funny! Even my efficiency-loving husband can spend half an hour watching funny pet videos on YouTube and even call me in to watch. Fluffy creatures have a way of lifting our spirits. We are attracted to soft and cuddly fabrics, such as plush comforters and pillows. Children all over the world have cushy stuffed animals. There is a special comfort we feel when soft, warm, cozy materials touch our skin. Ramsey From the time we got married, Eric and I both dreamed of getting a … [Read more...]
It’s Me or the Dog! Prioritizing People and Pets (Pet Week, Part 3)
Sadly, my dad is not a dog person. He has learned to love Ramsey (even though he is still grossed out by her slobber and won’t pick up her lawn deposits), but he probably won’t ever have a dog of his own. When I was about ten, my grandma brought us a puppy. Though I cannot remember the breed, I do remember this dog being a yipper. Yip, yip, yip... all night long! We tried letting him sleep in the laundry room, but no one could get to sleep with the racket he was making. I knew nothing about dogs at the time, so I had no idea how much he needed to be near us. He was in a new, scary place, … [Read more...]
Wag Therapy! Can Pets Enhance a Couple’s Connection? (Pet Week, Part 2)
The first few days we had Ramsey were not as smooth and fun as we expected. She was getting used to a new home. She was exploring everything. And... she was an early riser! At 6am the “whiner alarm” would ring. I’ve heard that a baby’s cry is the most distressing sound to the human ear. I think a puppy’s whine has to be number two! It set our teeth on edge! Morning of day two, I remember watching my neighbor get in his car to go to work. I was actually jealous of him. For months, all I could think about was coming home to work and getting a puppy; but, when my dream had come true, I felt … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, Ramsey! Connecting with Pets for Good Health and Well-Being! (Pet Week, Part 1)
It seems like only yesterday we brought our sweet little Ramsey home from the breeder. She was about ten pounds and the fluffiest little sweetheart you ever did see. For years, I dreamed of having a golden retriever. Some days at work, I would think about how good it would feel to go home and cuddle with a puppy. When Eric and I made the decision for me to leave the work force and come home to work on PreEngaged, we decided it was the right time to fulfill our dream of getting that adorable golden retriever puppy. Preparing for Cuteness We wanted to make sure we weren’t getting a dog from … [Read more...]