For the love of Pets...

Do you ever think about the vows we make to an animal when we decide to take them in as a pet? It feels like a deeper commitment than marriage in some ways - unspoken vows to love, cherish, feed, protect, house, and take care of. And there is something in this unspoken covenant that the animal knows. That they, too, make those promises to you. Not in a ceremony in front of family and friends - but a silent connection in a wagged tail or a furry snuggle. In those eyes that look to us as their alpha, their protector, their pack leader. Spider mans says "With great power comes great responsibility" and that has never felt truer, then when I think about the relationship we have with out pets. Yes, we make these same promises to our children - but with them, we can apologize and we can explain ourselves. But with animals? We just have to prove to them with our actions that we are worthy of their love. If we accidentally step on their paw or inadvertently pull their tail - our words mean nothing. And we can feel bad - but then we can carry on with treats, snuggles, and walks. And usually, they forgive us long before we forgive ourselves for our imperfections and love us anyway. One day, I hope to be as quick to forgive myself as any of the precious pets I've loved before.

(Our quarantine puppies from their first week in out family - Kahlo and Freya).