Why We Love the Animals in Our Lives

Today's a day that we set aside to express our feelings to those we love. When I was thinking about writing a blog post for today, I was going to find a story about an animal sharing the healing power of love. But then I realized, our animals show us that healing love 365 days of the year (or 366 days in the case of leap years).

So instead I asked my friends and family to share why they love their animals and these are the responses I got:

Christopher:  Perfect song

Amanda V's adorable dog

Amanda V.: They always know how to make you smile!

Jim: Unconditional love!

Gabe: They don't over analyze things like humans do. They live life simply.

Amanda G.: My dogs were both adopted and they know they got a second chance. They cuddle and take care of each other. I just love them so much. Russel is really old and Ringo is younger, but sometimes he'll go up to check on Russel. And Russel can't hear anymore so when it's time to eat or go out Ringo will go and get him. So sweet!

Michelle M.'s Bunny and Cat, who are sometimes friends

Michelle M.: They are so simple-minded. Makes them great companions to de-stress with!

Sharon: The way they look at you after you've had a long day. The smiling face and wagging tail, like everything is going to be okay! Also, they always think you're the coolest most amazing person in the entire world, no matter what!

Juanita: I love them cuz they love you with out questions and/or conditions. Love you Joy (my shi-tzu poodle friend)

Michelle H.'s cat aptly named Trouble

Andrew's dog , Thor, looking dapper

Alexa: Whatever you do, they're excited about it. If it's sitting on the sofa all day, fantastic. If it's a hike through the Denali wilderness, fantastic. If it's a long car ride, fantastic. If it's a day on the computer reading reddit, fantastic. Also, they, like small children, don't care who you are outside of the house, what other people think of you, what your job is or how much money you have. It's beyond unconditional love, to uncomplicated love. Love that just is. But, I really like that a nice day in a dog's mind involves playing fetch, a car ride, a walk and time curled up on the sofa.

Michelle H.: My kitten trains me :)

Andrew: I love him because he's way more loyal than any human.

Erin: There's nothing better than waking up in the morning to find the warm, soft little body of cat next to you.

Patricia: They're much more interesting to talk to than people and they don't watch Fox News.

Amy: They show me what it really means to love unconditionally.

Kim: No matter how bad your day has been, when you come home they are there waiting for you and instantly make you smile =)

Carol's two sweethearts

Debra: Because the love that they give to us every day is so unconditional. They expect absolutely nothing from us but give us all that they have.

Carol: Just look at these two... how can you not love them?

Juice Baby, who loves the sink
almost as much as he loves Matthew

Matthew: The way he thinks he can protect me from dogs, humans, or even coyotes, but when the going gets tough he hides under the bed. The way he knows if you're sick or sad and the best medicine is for him to curl up next to you and he gives you plenty of kisses. The way he makes sure to clean your face so you never walk out the door with a dirty face. The way he jumps right in the engine compartment or interior of my car to see if he can help with anything. The way he rushes to the door to see you off to work or when you come home. How he shows he's grateful for water with a kiss on the cheek. How he makes sure you are never alone. Because he comes home after a long day of being free out in the "wild". That's why I love him and I know he loves me...