I love others people’s dogs as if they were my own but I don’t want to get my own! Why? Because I had two dogs that I loved with all my heart and soul; and as all living things they died. With each one that died a little bit of me died with them; after grieving I decided I would never allow myself to suffer again like that. The problem was I love dogs, they are totally awesome animals with unconditional love; they feel your pain and comfort you while others have no clue to you pain. My family says I am being selfish by not wanting to give a dog or two a loving home, and if it means that I am selfish because I don’t want to suffer, then call me selfish.

With all the love for dogs within my little heart, I have decided I could care and love other people’s dogs and I enjoy it just the same. Sure I will feel sorrow for the pets I care for when they too must die; but I hope it will be easier.

So now I dog sit; and just like a grandmother with her grandchildren, I too spoil and give all my love and attention to these loving four leg family members. When I had my own dogs, I sent them once to a kennel while my family and I went on vacation, never again did I send them to a kennel. If I did not have someone I trusted to watch, care and love my dogs, then I did not go away, my dogs were family and were treated as such. I have cared for about six dogs in the last year, and I love it. I enjoy the love and attention; and the long walks I take with them. I have come to realize that I miss the after dinner walks whether it is summer or winter; it was my quiet time. I have cared for large dogs and little ones too; at first I was not too sure about the little guys since my two dogs were shepherds. I think my biggest fear was stepping on them, but since then I have cared for three different little guys and it has been an awesome experience.

So to my family I say I am not selfish, I am providing dogs of all sizes a happy loving home for a day, week or month; and I know the dogs will remember me, they always do.