Our dog, Kai, just had his first birthday, and it’s been fun watching him and our son, Aiden (2 years old), grow up together. Kai is a Golden Retriever, and I am so glad we did our research and found a dog whose temperament is a great fit for our family…especially for a toddler. We were nervous to get a puppy with Aiden being so young (and many people scaring us with how much work it would be), but he is a sweet, loving, 70-pound lap dog. He consistently keeps us entertained with his “Zoomies” (running sprints in figure-eight laps around our house) and recently just got introduced to the pool (which we now can’t keep him out of). Aiden loves to “shake” with Kai when they get out of the water, and Kai loves to clean up Aiden’s mess after every meal. They are definitely best buds, and Aiden asks for Kai first before Mama and Dada when he wakes up.
We can’t imagine our lives without him now. We have definitely been homebodies more and more these days with Aiden and a puppy. No lengthy vacations for us this year, and no road trips longer than a 3-hour drive. I’m always impressed by families larger than ours with young kids that still take long trips, but not for us this year. For now, I’m enjoying our simple family backyard BBQs and our walks around the neighborhood. I know Kai prefers that as well.
– Travis
YOUR LIFE
As a person who grew up with cats, getting a dog changed my life. And adding a puppy to the mix changed it even more! Dogs thrive on routine, which inadvertently means my husband and I had to adapt to theirs. Establishing a regular schedule for meals, walks, and playtime improved our time management and increased productivity. We’ve learned valuable lessons such as patience (when Ari takes burnt logs out of the firepit), empathy (when Jade isn’t feeling well, and can’t tell us what is wrong), and commitment (knowing every day we are solely responsible for their wellbeing).
Life can be demanding, but dogs have a magical way of reducing stress. Studies have shown that petting and spending time with dogs can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and boost the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Dogs are incredibly intuitive creatures, often sensing when their owners need emotional support. I swear my dogs know I’m getting sick before I do. Next time you snuggle up to your furry friend, take a moment to cherish the bond that has forever changed your life. And treasure every tail wag, joyful bark, and the infinite happiness they bring. To the world you may be just one person, but to your pet, you are their world.
– Kaylyn
YOUR LEGACY
Ever since Shannon and I got our first home together, we have welcomed a diverse array of pets into our family. From dogs to cats, fish to turtles and even lizards, our home has always been filled with the joy and companionship that these furry and scaly friends bring. Our children have grown up with pets by their side, creating lasting memories and learning valuable lessons about love and responsibility. Our first pet together was a Great Dane named Tommy Boy. Inspired by one of our favorite movies, he quickly became an integral part of our lives. Whether he was lounging on the couch, chasing crows, or playing with his pug sister Roxy, his zest for life was contagious. However, Tommy’s health journey was not without its challenges. He was allergic to almost everything, which led us to seek the expertise of a dog dermatologist.
As many of you, we spared no expense in ensuring his well-being, spending thousands of dollars on his treatments and care. Tommy also underwent two extensive knee surgeries, and eventually lost his battle with cancer. At over 165 pounds, he was a gentle giant, and there was no limit to what we were willing to do for him. One of the most remarkable aspects of our pets is their ability to provide unconditional love. They don’t care about our financial status, our successes or failures, or our emotional state. They love us no matter what, offering a sense of safety and security that is truly priceless. And let’s not forget the endless laughter they bring into our lives, with their playful antics and unwavering loyalty. We wish you a wonderful month ahead filled with love, laughter, and the companionship of your beloved pets.
– Jason