Today I am writing about a campaign that I have recently joined called Pets Add Life.
The Pets Add Life campaign is designed to demonstrate the joys and benefits of pet ownership, thus driving increased adoption of pets and responsible ownership of pets. Produced by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), PAL includes threeYouTube videos, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter page, a blog, regular pet news segments, a brochure, an ad, web links, a poster, and other promotions.
This is such an important campaign because as pet owners we need to spread the word that pets really do add so much to our lives.
I personally have never been without a pet. I have been given the privilege to always have a dog to share my life with and I plan to keep it that for however long I may live.
Throughout my life dogs have not only given me unconditional love but they have also been my stress relievers. When I am having a trying day, a simple walk or grooming session with the boys will soothe my nerves and put me back in my happy place. A simple walk with them has saved me from many panic attacks.
Each dog that I have had throughout my life has given me something unique, but today I am going to share with you what Sherman, Leroy, Plunger and even Gibby has given us.
Sherman:
Sherman has given me a bond that I could never of imagined a person could have with a dog.
He is my angel dog.
If Newfies had wings they would be on Sherman.
He is faithful and always by myside.
He’s the first one I see when I wake up in the morning, and he’s the last one I see at night.
He’s the first one to greet me when I come home and he is the first one by my side when he thinks I am in trouble.
He has shown me loyalty and true unconditional love.
He has given me companionship, and the sense of security that only a dog can give.
Leroy.
What can I say about Leroy? Whew!
I give Leroy a tough time, but I love this dog with all my heart and I already know right now that there will never be another dog like Leroy in my life.
He’s my guy.
He makes me laugh, he makes me cry.
He has given me joy and happiness and brought humor back to my life when it went missing.
Leroy gives me love. You would have to be there to appreciate it but when I have him up on the grooming table and I am brushing his chest, he rests his head on my shoulder and each time he does it, he melts my heart.
Have you ever had a dog rest their head on your shoulder? It’s such a soothing effect.
He has shown me that life should always be fun.
Plunger:
Plunger, Plunger, Plunger.
Plunger doesn’t get much face time on the blog, but you know what? He’s 13 years old and he is in retirement.
Plunger has given me patience.
He has shown me that no matter what your age or size, no one should underestimate you. Life is good and it’s your choice how you should live it and when you should live it.
Only move off the couch if you want to. Life will be there waiting for you tomorrow.
Gibby:
Gibby has only been with us for a few short weeks but he has already added to our life.
Gibby has brought our family more bonding time.
He is teaching my children about responsibility and how to care for animals.
He is teaching my children that vegetables and fruits are good.
Seriously. I have more vegetables in my house than I ever had before and guess what? The kids like vegetables! Who would of thought that a guinea pig could get my kids to eat veggies!
Taking care of my pets properly is the most important way that I can thank them for all that they have given me in my life. Proper nutrition, grooming, vet care and love will ensure that we share many more years together and add to each other’s life.
So tell me what your pets add to your life.
This post is sponsored by the Pets Add Life campaign and the American Pet Products Association. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the benefits and joys of pet ownership
Bailey says:
I had pets when I was a child at home and then waited until we bought our home to bring home dogs. I really missed the companionship, the play time, and the down time. Even when you have one laying on your feet there is the comfort of having a friend with you. It’s funny when the dogs aren’t here I find myself looking for them and responding to phantom dog noises.
Jen says:
I know what you mean! Sometimes when we did a dog show and my husband would go overnight without me, even though only 1 dog was gone, I totally knew it!
Bassetmomma says:
What a beautiful post! I got through this with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Okay, now I just have to go and hug my babies!
Jen says:
Awwww, thank you! I am sorry you got choked up. I did too when I was writing it!
Eva or sometimes Priscilla says:
They bring happiness too!
Jen says:
Total happiness!
rottrover says:
Happiness, love, humor, joy, wonder, beauty – and heartache when they are sick or hurting. My life is SO much better for having dogs in it!!
Jen says:
Heartache for sure, each dog I have had has taken a piece with me when they have passed on. My life is better having shared it with each one of them too:)
Blueberry's human says:
Blueberry just makes me smile. She makes other people smile. All those spots, her crazy name, the way she will lean into me when I am giving her a massage and sometimes when I am not, just to be close to me, the way she’ll wake up at 3am and decide she just has to get up and move closer so she can rest her head on my shoulder as she falls back to sleep again. The list goes on.
That is great that Gibby is fitting into your family so nicely. The dogs are beautiful – and yes there is something special about an old dog that gives us more patience and teaches us to live in the moment and appreciate the little things in life.
Jen says:
I bet Blueberry makes a lot of people smile! I know she does when I read about all her adventures!
Jodi says:
I loved this post Jen. My dogs add more than I could ever write about. The very fact that I will sleep sitting up, or curled at the end of the bed so one of them is comfortable should say it all. :0
Sometimes at night I will wake up to find Sampson’s head on my shoulder or his nose touching mine. One would think that would be disruptive, but I’ve actually caught myself smiling at 3:00 am as I lay there wide awake, not being able to move because a dog is laying on me.
Jen says:
Thanks Jodi!
I hear you, Sherman watching me sleep creep me out, but know I think it is adorable:)
Beth says:
There is no way to describe how pets add to my life. Like you, I’ve never been without a pet. While dogs are my top choice, in college I had a lovebird named Zeke that was the best! I’ve had other birds as well as hamsters, mice, gerbils and guinea pigs.
Jen says:
Wow Beth! You certainly have a lot of pets to share your life with. That is wonderful! I think that any pet, no matter what it should be can add to everyone’s life!
Two French Bulldogs says:
Sounds like a wonderful cause
Benny & Lily
Jen says:
Thank you.
Patty says:
Love this post. Very touching!
Jen says:
Thanks Patty!
Nichole says:
Wonderful post… and we didn’t even know about Plunger! What a cutie!
Jen says:
Ha-ha! Plunger only comes out once in awhile. He doesn’t like his picture taken:)
Corbin says:
Not going to lie, this post made me quite teary-eyed. I can’t even begin to think of all the things Corbin has added to my life. In fact, I think we’ll blog about this next week, if you don’t mind. The list would probably be shorter if I asked myself what Corbin has taken away from my life – and to that, all I have to say is: Stress and sadness.
-Corbin’s momma, Jenn
Jen says:
Thanks Jenn, writing it made me teary eyes too.
That is wonderful if you blog about it next week, but don’t make me cry!
Awww,,,that is so great that Corbin has made you happy, he is quite the man!
Jen K says:
What a nice homage to your furry family! Your descriptions of Sherman and Leroy are so similar to how I’d describe Moses and Alma (respectively).
I’m most shocked about Gibby, though! I’ve never really thought much of rodents as pets, but I now see some real positives.
Jen says:
Thanks Jen! When I read your posts I can see the similarities in Moses and Alma:) Alma is a goofy newfy, like Leroy!
I have to admit, I have never been a fan of rodents either, but Mr. Gibby has changed my mind! He has his own little personality!
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Daisy says:
Having grown up with animals, mice, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits, raccoons, turtles….. SHE can’t imagine NOT having an animal around.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Jen says:
Wow! Now that a lot of animals! Were the raccoon’s pets? I have to know!
houndstooth says:
I am so glad you got to join this campaign! I really wanted to, but it wasn’t in the cards. I love reading about what all your pets have brought to your lives, too. My series last week was along the same lines. They’ve all brought something wonderful into my life and I am very lucky!
Jen says:
Thank you! I loved your series last week. A day denoted to each, that was a wonderful idea and your post were so from the heart! We are all lucky aren’t we?:)
sprinkles says:
Chico adds sweetness to my life. He’s very chill and laid back. He loves to lay on my chest and put his head on on my shoulder while he sleeps. He has the loudest snores and I often wonder how such a tiny dog can make such a loud noise! He’s quite the lover. He’s only 5 pounds, but he’s a HEAVY 5 pounds – very solid!
Shiver adds true love to my life. I know that he loves me to the moon and back. He needs to always be laying on or near me. He thinks he needs to sit in my lap at every possible opportunity. When he goes out to do his business, he scratches at the door every 5 seconds. Once I open it, he’s content to know that I’m still there and he’ll run back out into the yard. He thinks the world revolves around him and that all the toys and treats belong ONLY to him. He’s a lover, but he’s also rambunctious at times.
My dad’s beagle, Scamp, adds mishief to my life. He’s not my dog, but I think of him as mine, even though we don’t even live in the same house. Scamp is a link to the father I no longer have. He’s a lover, but he also enjoys getting into mishchief.
Jen says:
Awww, thanks for sharing what each pet means to you! I love that Chico adds sweetness to you life and Shiva true love!
Of course the beagle, Scamp has got to make your life fun and ehat a wonderful link that he holds for you:)
rabbitviola says:
Ive always had pets but this is about the rabbbit my sister got me for christmas well two actually cause she didnt want to leave the other there on christmas eve. I had never had a rabbit before we put them in my living room i knew i loved them but the connection was not there. I read and made them free range buns with a cage home base.
Two weeks after i got the rabbits i was walking and was hit by a car. When i came home my right arm was useless as was most of me at the time i needed help with everything. I slept on the couch in the living room the rabbits who had been so skittish seemed to understand especially my big rex she nuzzled around the couch found a path and hopped so she could snuggle on a pain free spot. She brought me her lettuce she licked the paralyzed arm worrying. She stayed with me. When i was well enough for the bed she, just a baby, mastered the jump with help from a box my sister put there.
I was so depressed and lonely during that time if rowena hadnt been there im not sure what i would of done.
Rowena gave me my purpose i opened a small rabbit rescue to try and repay my baby for all she gives me
Sorry was so long just animals are priceless
Jen says:
Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your story.
I am so sorry to read what you went through and can only imagine how hard that must of been on you.
How amazing that Rowena was there for you throughout this. I have never owned a rabbit before, but from working with them at the vet, I have learned that they can be very nurturing.
What a wonderful and caring act that you did by starting a rabbit rescue. Hats off to you and I hope you are doing well.
Julie says:
Such a sweet post, and so true! It’s hard to put into words all that my fur kids have brought into my life
I love this campaign and they couldn’t ask for a better representative than you!!
Jen says:
Thanks Julie! This is a wonderful campaign!
2 brown dawgs says:
Great post and beautiful pictures.
Jen says:
Thank you!
melF says:
After Kristine posted your veggies comment I knew I would have to come on over here to read the whole blog post. So funny that Gibby has had such a big impact. Who knew?
I never even knew you had Plunger – what a great name. He’s adorable.
Daisy taught me patience and to go slow. A puppy mill dog can teach you so much about yourself, but above all patience is one of them. You have to be willing to meet them where they are and help them move forward.
Lady has taught me to have faith. While she was lost I was beside myself, but once I started to have faith and stop being a weepy mess, things turned around. Never give up.
Jasper has taught me to enjoy life and to laugh (and yes, patience too). He is a silly dog and a comedian at heart. Whenever I am stressed or depressed, he brings me up and makes me laugh.
Great post Jen.
Jen says:
Awww, Mel thanks for sharing what your pups have taught you. You made tear up:)
Vicki says:
Jen, such a great topic! Buddy and Bea are not my first pets nor Newfies. But my husband Mark had never had a pet until we got buddy in 2004 as a puppy. There was a slow transformation as I watched Mark bond with Boo (his nickname). Boo helped Mark become more compassionate and led to us getting Bea Girl. The doggies are his children (he does not have any; I on the other had have a son). Although Boo and Bea love me, they are devoted to Mark. It is amazing how pets and animals can change peoples perceptions and attitudes. They have such a calming effect. You really learn unconditional love from them.
Jen says:
Thanks for sharing Vicki! Isn’t it nice to watch the men in our lives bond with our dogs? My husband was never a dog person before he met me and over the years I have seen this man bond with all of our dogs. I love it one when of the Newfs comes up and sits next to him and he says, “What’s up Buddy?” Love it.