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
Jen
Sunday 1st of July 2012
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.
Vicki
Saturday 30th of June 2012
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.
melF
Friday 29th of June 2012
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
Sunday 1st of July 2012
Awww, Mel thanks for sharing what your pups have taught you. You made tear up:)
2 brown dawgs
Wednesday 27th of June 2012
Great post and beautiful pictures. :)
Jen
Wednesday 27th of June 2012
Thank you!
Julie
Tuesday 26th of June 2012
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
Wednesday 27th of June 2012
Thanks Julie! This is a wonderful campaign!