Healthy FamilyThis is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
By Elsie, Contributing Writer and Site Editor
The day we adopted our Border Collie, Patch, he cowered in a corner of the back yard til nightfall. The next morning we found him in the playroom. Afraid of the dark, he had busted through the screen window to get inside.
Patch had been abused before he came to us, but we took a chance on each other. After that, he became a member of our family, soaking up all the love and attention we could give him.
Patch blessed us in countless ways. He kept us healthy and fit!
When he was outside on a brisk day, his sheep herding instincts (a mark of his breed), often kicked in. He’d run in tight circles around or with us, pausing to wait expectantly for directions.
Patch also brought comfort and stability when we needed it most. When we moved down to Chile, Patch came too, providing reassuring love and loyalty in unfamiliar surroundings.
I’m never surprised when I read articles on how dogs can make us healthier and more relaxed–even helping people with PTSD. Dogs are natural healers. Their simple companionship and physical touch can be far more potent than any drug.
We taught Patch not to be afraid of the dark, and he brightened every day for us until the end of his own.
Mars Petcare will donate $1 to PEDIGREE® Foundation to help local shelters throughout the United States when any PEDIGREE® Brand products or TEMPTATIONS® Brand products are purchased at Dollar General during the month of October!
Purchase of participating products (at Dollar General) will also receive a $1 coupon for any PEDIGREE dog treats!
Do you have a dog? How does your dog make your heart happy?
Laurie
I’m happy to hear he “busted through the screen door to get inside”. I firmly believe a dog should not have to sleep outside,alone and isolated. Had you insisted on continuing that he never would’ve become the dog you enjoy now.
Paula Miller
Our German Shepherd/Rott is ten years old, huge, and has been an outdoor dog all his life. He is a dog, a pet, and the kids’ friend/playmate – and he still sleeps outside. Have we brought him in the house? Yes. Does he live outside? Yes.
Why? Because that’s where dogs can be dogs. They sniff around, roam the skirts of your property to protect it from predators, sleep in the sunshine, and bark at squirrels.
Elsie, I love that you taught Patch to not be afraid of the dark and that he was with you for many years. 🙂 Do you have another dog now?
Elsie
Thanks, Paula! We don’t have a dog now, but I want one again! I love how dogs roam the outdoors and “own” where they live(:
Danielle @ More Than Four Walls
At one point a few years ago we had 4 dogs. Even when they made messes, ripped up trash cans or ate rolls of the counter they were still a joy.
We now have a 10 year old beagle, Sadie and our hunting dog, Baron (who resides outside, full time). I don’t think we will ever be without a dog. We are introducing leash-handling to our 3 year old with the beagle and he enjoys watching Baron retrieve balls and frisbies in the yard.
Elsie
I love how dogs grow up with their families. Baron and Sadie–those are really cool names!
Danielle @ More Than Four Walls
Thanks Elsie – we used to have Walter too 🙂
emma
Most people in lieu of adopting a pet will not adopt a starving child, or divert every disposable dollar to children’s charities. But, it makes a huge difference to the life of that one adopted animal to come to a loving home. diferencia entre gato persa y angora
lisa
I don’t see many dogs out and about but I agree with you! The store and restaurants are generally not places for pets.Pet CBD
lisa
Pet health care is really good. Great blog… A frightened dog prefers to run away from the owner. Lack of training is solely responsible for the exhibition of such behavior. So, training is really essential which helps a pet to understand certain signs and sounds developed by the owner.how much does it cost to buy a maltipoo
James
I was seriously thinking about getting my dog certified to become a therapy dog. Charlie loves people, kids and adults, and his adorable looks and calm and submissive demeanor would make him a good therapy dog. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the leap with Charlie to get him to be a certified therapy dog, but seeing these kids and how Elsa the therapy dog cheered them up, I have decided that I’m going to get him evaluated, and hopefully certified so he can spread his puppy love to those who need it most. Thank god for Elsa, and all of the awesome therapy dogs out there <3
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emma
I also think having a small dog helps with little kids, but if you have a big dog the kids can wrestle with it! So there are pros and cons. Also good job with mentioning that toys can be dangerous for little puppies.
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emma
Charlie loves people, kids and adults, and his adorable looks and calm and submissive demeanor would make him a good therapy dog. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the leap with Charlie to get him to be a certified therapy dog.
emma
Charlie loves people, kids and adults, and his adorable looks and calm and submissive demeanor would make him a good therapy dog. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the leap with Charlie to get him to be a certified therapy dog, but seeing these kids and how Elsa the therapy dog cheered them up.Lost pets
john
Charlie loves people, kids, and adults, and his adorable looks and calm and submissive demeanor would make him a good therapy dog. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the leap with Charlie to get him to be a certified therapy dog.
zack smith
Charlie loves people, kids and adults, and his adorable looks and calm and submissive demeanor would make him a good therapy dog. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take the leap with Charlie to get him to be a certified therapy dog, but seeing these kids and how Elsa the therapy dog cheered them up, I have decided that I’m going to get him evaluated, and hopefully certified so he can spread his puppy love to those who need it most.
lisa
Dogs can get excited and jump up. Unfortunately, this is enough to knock toddlers off their feet. Some behaviourists suggest sending them for a time out on their doggy bed if they misbehave like that. Don’t let any of your pets climb into the baby’s crib. Pets need a bedtime routine as much as we do, so make sure they know where their own bed is.