Hello Spring! I hope everyone is doing well and celebrated a wonderful Mother’s Day. Today I want to touch a little bit on the topic of pets, dogs particularly. Pets are cherished, beloved members of our families nowadays. Hundreds of years ago, dogs were mostly used to herd livestock or to guard homes. There are so many beautiful dogs in the world that come in all different shapes and sizes. From little lapdogs and teacup sizes, to very large dogs almost as big as we are. Their personalities also vary from breed to breed, as well as individually. Dogs warm our hearts with those sad eyes, soft whines and their cuddling qualities. They bring out emotions in us, that run deep, and teach us to love unconditionally as they do.

Dogs don’t judge you on the color of your skin, your appearance , or your weight. They don’t care if you smell bad, have no money or drive a lemon for a car. Dogs just want your attention, your love and to be by your side. They patiently wait at home, while we are at work, away at social events or just lead busy lives. They are always in the background, a constant part of our everyday life. Years go by, and they become apart of our holiday pictures and family get togethers. We dress them up in silly costumes and throw them birthday parties with edible doggie cakes. They become guardians of our children and a soft shoulder to cry on when we are feeling down.

We turn to our pets for love, comfort and joy. And so today, I want to honor my beloved Atlas. Atlas was born on July 09, 2011. Atlas is a French Mastiff, or Dogue de Bordeaux, with beautiful rust colored fur and golden eyes. When he was a puppy, he had blue eyes and was very mischievous. Although, I must say, he never destroyed my home, chewed up my shoes or dug holes in my backyard. I was one of the lucky ones, he was a very good dog. We experienced many things together like swimming, hiking and battling the evil vacuum cleaner. He loved to drink water from the garden hose, long walks and car rides where he could put his face to the wind. He stole my heart with the funniest expressions and he loved to be around people.

And then, the day comes to say goodbye…we never are ready for that day and it comes upon us so fast. With tears in my eyes and pain my heart, I said goodbye to my beloved Atlas 9 days ago. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about him or miss him. He changed my life in so many ways and saved me… So hug your pets a little closer today and spend time with them as much as you can.. Appreciate the value they bring into your life and cherish their very presence. For they bring you a lifetime of love and just maybe… they can change your once closed heart into an open one.