We ask, you tell.*
I have two beloved pets. [They] inspire me by the simplicity of their needs and their surplus of forgiveness and patience. They can lighten a heavy heart with a kiss and a wag.
—Tamara Folino, Mason, Ohio
My three dogs remind me daily to live in the moment! They are happy just “being,” and they don’t hold grudges. They are always forgiving, which is something I strive to be.
—Patricia Cooper, Indianapolis, Indiana
Bernie and Kris are my daily reminders that the most important thing I do is to love them. Everything else is small potatoes!
—Kate McGovern, Westmont, Illinois
I deal with bipolar disease, [and] there are still some days when I don’t even want to get out of bed. But my three rescued dogs love me so much, unconditionally, that they literally give me the will to live.
—Nicole Maclean, Media, Pennsylvania
I have three adopted Pugs with stories inside their heads I may never know. They all have different personalities and ages but are so forgiving of each other’s quirks. I have one boy who has issues with dominance, but his female roommate tolerates his bullying. It sure is a lesson to me as a human to be forgiving and tolerant when I come upon another of my own kind who does the “bullying” routine. If a rescued dog can be tolerant of another’s issues, so should I.
—Joan Norris, Sun City, Arizona
Every day my cats look at me with love and acceptance. They make me feel like the most important person in the world.
—Nikki Venegoni, St. Louis, Missouri
I have had issues with severe depression, and I can tell you [my] dog keeps the really bad times from getting out of hand. I thank God every day for my Maddie.
—CJ Patton, Parker, Colorado
My fur babies inspire me to be happy! Every morning I wake up with four wet noses and wagging tails greeting me. It’s the best way to start the day on a happy, loving note!
—Janice Brody-Flores, Downers Grove, Illinois
Dogs and all animals are wonderful inspirations, and we can learn a lot from them if we only take the time to pay attention in our hurried world.
—Carole Hauser, Shelby Township, Michigan