Four-Legged Angels

These are strange times. Many of us are self-isolating, or working from home.  Even those of us that still have to work, are home more than ever before.

But one thing that I have noticed with any of my family and friends, and in my own household,  is that our dogs (and other animals) are happier than ever.  Instead of spending their days waiting for their owners to come back, we are with them all day long! Dogs are getting walks several times a day.  A friend told me that her dog follows her all around the house.  She said to me in a video chat, "to be honest, I am not sure if she followed me around before - I think I was too busy to notice!" That little pup (along with her other puppy) are a bright light in a trying time of self-quarantine.

For those of us that are working from home, our pets have become our "co-workers."  My office online meetings often have us saying hello to everyone's animals. We finally have had our "bring your pet to work" day!

I know that as someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression, my dogs have given me comfort at times when really nothing else could.  They truly have been the best medicine on many occasions.

I believe that dogs are truly angels on earth. They come into our lives and bring nothing but unconditional love and joy.  And at the moment, during our terrible pandemic, they have been giving their people companionship and comfort at a time of anxiety and fear.  But there is a silver lining in this dark cloud. The drastic measures we have had to take have allowed many to slow down and appreciate these special beings more than ever.  And our dogs are so happy that they get to spend more time with us, because that is all that they ever really want. In a way, we are getting to say thank you to them for their devotion.

Sadly, I am writing this only hours after we have had to say goodbye to our big dog, George.  We had almost 11 years wth him, and now my Molly Beagle is alone with me, a warm heartbeat at my feet.  The tears fall, for another four-legged angel that was with our family for what felt like such a short time.

I am glad that for the last few weeks of his life, he had us all around him. That is what always made him the happiest.