Holiday Seasons usually bring mixed emotions. Anxiety and financial strain blend with fond memories and the promise of new beginnings in the New Year. The spirit of reflection during this time of year can have unique meaning to pet lovers. If the potato caserole is burning, the pie isn’t thawing and the cranberries are staining, take a step back. Take a deep breath. Look into the sweet eyes of your favorite four legged friend and allow yourself a moment to revel in pure, unadulterated gratitude.
Be thankful for comic relief. Is it possible to look at a kitten or puppy without smiling? Do you share your life with the Golden Retriever who holds his leash in his mouth on walks? Have you met the Great Dane who hides his head and thinks you can’t see his 150 lb body sticking out from behind the sofa? Who can resist the cat who sits on the exact newspaper article you are reading? (Admit it you are more entertained than annoyed when this happens.) And, of course, there’s always the Tabby who curls up on the freshly cleaned laundry.
Appreciate companionship. In this age when most of our communication occurs via text messages, phone tag and 140 character tweets, it can be nice to interact with someone without an opposable thumb. Not only are pets good listeners, they understand with senses that we humans do not even possess.
Feel unconditional love. It’s trite, but it’s true. If pets did not invent unconditional love, they certainly perfected it.
So as you navigate throughout the Hudson Valley this week, if traffic is crawling and check out lines are out the door and you remember to stop and count your blessings, be thankful not only for, but also to silly, loyal and beloved pets, past and present.