My Favourite Things: Monday

For today's category I am supposed to blog about my favorite four-legged animal.  After much thought and deliberation, I have determined that it is not possible for me to select just one animal.  I have lots of favorites, several of which live in my house, and I love them all the same!  (Except for Casper.  But I do think I'm finally starting to like him a little.  Maybe.)  Although I can't select a favorite animal specifically, I can select a specific type of animal.

From the time I was a little girl, my favorite animals have always been cats.  I loved other animals too, including dogs, horses, goats, rabbits...  I grew up on a little hobby farm, so we had many pets over the years.  But as any cat-lover knows, there are few things better than a cat curled up in your lap, purring contentedly. 

My love for cats has always been so strong, I didn't expect that to ever change.  Especially since I had the privilege of owning and loving the world's most perfect cat for 16 years.  Which is why it's surprising that this post is not about cats. 

When Scott & I got married, I knew we would eventually get a dog.  Even though neither of us were "dog-people," we wanted to get one for the family we were planning to have (ah, the best laid plans...), and what better family dog than a Golden Retriever?  (This point is not up for discussion, by the way!)

There were two dogs that left a lifelong impression on my heart when I was growing up.  One was a mutt named Shadow, and the other was a Golden Retriever named Lad.  ♥  As much as I loved those two dogs, that love was nothing compared to how much I love the dogs I've owned as an adult.  It started 6 years ago when we got Quincy, and now I have to say that dogs are my favorite animal.  I never, EVER dreamed that I would be converted! 

Of course, I'm more than a little partial to my Quincy...

and to my Milo...

...but I can also say that I love most dogs (there are a few exceptions, like my neighbors' yippy Schnauzer). 

There's just something about that unconditional love.  The ever-excited, always-happy-to-see-you dance.  The incredible look of sadness when they know they've disappointed you.  The sensitivity to your mood changes.  The strong desire to do whatever it takes to make you happy.  You just don't get all of that with a cat.  (Sorry, Squeaky!)  Or any other animal, for that matter. 

Now that I'm converted, I'm amazed that it took so many years for me to discover why dogs are called Man's Best Friend.  But now I know.  And I'm changed forever.  ♥