The song “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone) by Cinderella, describes what is like to be a dog owner. They are the first one to greet you when you come home with that tail just wagging as fast as it can. When you leave each day, they will bark as if they are saying please take me with you. They will lie by your feet while you are working and are just content to be near you. Making eye contact just to get your attention. When they are hungry or need to go outside, they will come up to you with those puppy dog eyes and let you know they need something. We are their entire world, and nothing matters more to them than you.
How many of us don’t realize this? We let the world get in our way. Turn on the TV, get on social media, be at work, or leave them at home. How many times do we pet them or take them for a walk? We have let technology take over our lives and spend hours on our phones. We seemed to have forgotten about what is truly important anymore. That phone will not create memories, but our pets will. Our pets have emotions and will lay their pawprints on our hearts. Don’t allow yourself to dwell on missing out on playing with them one last time. Giving them one more treat. That last pat on their head. Because one day they will be barking at your feet trying to get your attention and the next you will be laying them to rest for that last time. Your dog brings joy to you and asks for nothing in return.
As they get older, they may not see as well. Walk as well. Need help getting up and down the stairs. But they are still that same dog that was with you on those walks and would bark at the vacuum cleaner and ironing board. Not to mention all those times they protected you from the UPS driver and squirrel in the yard. They still want you to love them like you did when there younger. It is not a chore to do this, but a blessing. Because if they could help you, they would.
So right now, put down your phone, walk away from the computer, and spend some time with your dog. Take them for a walk. Give them a treat and play with their favorite toy. Or just talk to them. Because one day you will be sitting here thinking of that Cinderella song wishing you had one more day with them.
