10 Virtues Instilled and Strengthened by Pets

Most people that have kids like to say things like, “My kids made me realize what’s important in life, ” and, “My children make me want to be a better person.”  Well, I’ve VERY INTENTIONALLY never had kids, but I think the same thing can be said about pets.  Every single day, they help me exercise one virtue or another in some way.

Patience – “I know you’re waiting for me to pee so you can go to work, but I have to finish these snow angels first.”

Wonder – Seeing a puppy experience things for the first time.

Sacrifice – “Oh you wanted to get a new bedroom suite?  Sorry, I just tore my meniscus.  Six months after I tore my ACL.”

Forgiveness – We forgave them.  And then we bought crates while the couch was being reupholstered.  Lesson learned.

Respect – I had to pee like a race horse when I took this picture, but he just looked so comfortable!  I couldn’t bring myself to disturb him.

Compassion – This old girl just doesn’t get around like she used to and requires some special accommodations and extra TLC and spoiling.

Whimsy – Don’t mind us.  Just taking some doggy kissy selfies.

Selflessness – “I know you’d like to go to happy hour after work rather than coming straight home every day, but remember we’re here waiting for you.”

Service – “Psssst.  Wake up.  I’m hungry.”

Humility – Fostering is hard.  Let me rephrase that.  Letting go of a foster is hard.  Some more than others.  I’ve had this baby for three months, and her adoption was just finalized.  She will be going home tomorrow.  You love them like your own from the day you bring them into your family and then you just have to hand them over and recognize your place in their lives was only temporary–the bridge between what has been and what will be.  I’m trying to cram a lifetime of snuggles and kisses into the next few hours before I take her to her new family.  I know she’ll forget me quickly, but I will love her forever.