Why I Love Animals

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I post pictures of my dog Jet just about every Saturday. But let me tell you how Jet came into my life. My late husband was captain of a flyball team. Our aging Bedlington Terrier was going blind and John knew her days as a champion flyball dog were numbered. So he went in search of a replacement. Now flyball is nothing more than relay races for dogs. A four dog team takes turns running down a course with hurdles, hitting a box to get a ball and bringing the ball back to its owner. Belle loved it. But when she couldn’t see the ball anymore, her time was up. Jet’s a whippet. He can run like the wind. But he had one problem. He had absolutely no interest in a ball. Didn’t want to taste it, carry it or fetch it. No flyball for him, though he liked going to the tournements with Daddy.

John did discover Jet was crazy about lure coursing. That’s where dogs chase a fake bunny(it’s a plastic bag on a zip line) and are timed. Since it was a competition, they went to several tournaments and Jet did well. My husband was all about winning. But when John died a few years ago, that was it for Jet’s lure coursing career. Sorry, but I call that little league for dogs. I served my time in the stands raising my son.

So why am I such a dog nut? Well, I have to admit that it can get pretty lonely around here. It’s just me now–the kid is grown and on his own. So Jet is good company. He tells me when it’s time to get up(too early for a writer without a day job) and when it’s time for him to eat(about 3 in the afternoon). He makes sure I exercise by going to the back door several times a day wanting to go out. He snuggles up next to me in bed where someone else used to be. It’s a comfort.

He isn’t a barker unless a stranger comes to the door. I like that. I have my peace and quiet that I want for thinking abd writing, but I have a guard dog when I need it. He keeps the back yard free of stray cats and makes sure the squirrels know to stay in the trees. If I’m careless with tissue or food, he will take care of it for me. So I guess you could say he helps me avoid some of my clutter.

I like cats too, but Jet doesn’t seem to want the competition. A friend stayed with me for a while, but we didn’t give her kitty the run of the house. Too much stress for both of them.

One thing I can’t stand is to see helpless animals abused. I’m a sucker for an animal charity and have all the junk mail to prove it. Need a free calendar? I hate to go into Petsmart on adoption day. It breaks my heart to see animals who don’t have a loving home.

What about you? Do you have a fur baby? Is one ruling your roost? Do you have a story to share about your pet or one you used to have? I grew up with a dog and a cat. I’m glad I never had allergies but so many people do. I understand if that’s keeping you from enjoying the experience. Post here and one lucky commenter will win a grab bag of three autographed paranormal romances from bestselling authors Jeaniene Frost, Kerrelyn Sparks and Kim Harrison. Wow! Plus a gift card for the book retailer of your choice.

Excited? I am. Get busy and share your story here. Deadline for the contest is February 1, my brother’s birthday.