Many people think that humans are the ones who rescue pets, but I say it’s the other way around. I grew up in Mexico City where sadly stray animals are the “norm”. That said, I come from a long line of animal lovers and I swear animals can sense this. Our house was like a magnet for strays. Inevitably a scrawny kitten or an injured dog would end up on our doorstep and we never turned anyone away. With the exception of two dogs, every single one of our pets was a rescued stray. From the kitty with a broken leg who appeared under my dad’s car one morning to the severely malnourished pup who followed my mom for blocks in downtown Mexico City until she put him in her car and brought him home - our house was always filled with four legged friends. 


So it was only natural for me to adopt two 13-week old black kittens when I got my first apartment after college. I was living in New Orleans at the time when I came across an adorable brother sister duo that had been abandoned at a coast guard base. I was 23 and had no idea how many adventures and life experiences these guys would be there for. They saw me through career changes, nursed me back to health after major surgery and, together, we lived in seven cities. Chase (the male) was my ultimate “litmus test” when dating someone new. If he didn’t approve, chances are the relationship wouldn’t last… and turns out he was pretty spot on!

Sadly, Chase crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the end of 2018; he was 17.5 years old. It was easily one of the most difficult things I have experienced, but I am blessed that he was in my life as long as he was. Scout turned 19 in July and not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for having her in my life. I often feel like I’ve needed my pets more than they’ve needed me and have taken note of some of the lessons they’ve taught me.

1. Gratitude 

   I mentioned being grateful for having Scout in my life and for having had Chase as long as I did. Pets have taught me to appreciate all that I have. If you think about it, pets are grateful for the simplest things in life. It doesn’t take much to make them happy. They don’t stress about who has the biggest bone or who got the most treats. I think this is especially true of rescues! Yes, every pet loves its parents, but I truly believe rescues know they were rescued, and they know who saved them. They know what it’s like to be homeless and they appreciate a home like no other pet. The bond one has with a rescue pet is truly special. They’ve taught me that there is something I can be grateful for every day. They are content simply to be in the company of their owners and to me this is a strong reminder of how meaningful and special it is for us to spend time with our loved ones.


1. Take Time to Play

   I’ve realized that most of us take life way too seriously, well at least I know I do. One of the many things I appreciate about our four-legged family members is how they can turn pretty much anything into a fun game. Scout (at the tender age of 18) still loved batting at ribbons and strings. I love watching the dogs I walk go crazy and act silly when they see a bird or a squirrel. We live in a fast-paced world that never seems to shut off. We’re never far from our cell phones, check social media constantly and respond to emails at all hours of the day. Being around pets has taught me that it’s okay (and actually healthy) to turn my cell phone off occasionally, to relax and have fun. Playtime isn’t just for pets and kids… it’s okay to have a dance party when nobody’s watching or to simply just “shut off.” I dare you to try it!
2. Judge Less (or better yet… not at all)
   Animals accept us for who we are - without judgement. We could learn a thing or two from them. Rescues come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Some have four legs, some have three. Some have two eyes; others may have none. This does not change the loving beings that they are on the inside, nor does it diminish the amount of love they have to give. Sadly, in today’s world many people are quick to judge the proverbial book by its cover. At times we can jump to conclusions about people before getting to know them or their story. Every rescue pet has its own story, just like every human on the planet does. While we may not always know a rescue pet’s story, we always have an open heart and lots of love to give them. I firmly believe our world would be a better place if we all applied this philosophy towards one another.
3. Love Unconditionally
   We’ve all heard the term and our pets have mastered the art of it, but what exactly does “unconditional love mean?” True unconditional love is when someone loves you no matter where you live, no matter what car you drive, no matter how you look and no matter how tough life gets. This is exactly the way our pets love us and one of the biggest lessons they teach us. They love us without expecting anything in return. They can sense when you’re sad and come over to comfort you. You’ll get slobbery kisses from your dog when you walk through the door. They stand by your side no matter what. I think we can all take away from this and learn to genuinely appreciate the people in our lives without expecting anything in return. I know this is one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from all the pets I’ve been fortunate enough to have in my life.
4. Be Present and Enjoy the Ride

   Animals have the remarkable skill of being able to “be” in the moment … whatever that moment is. They don’t anticipate what might happen or hold grudges about what has - they just “are” in the present. Humans tend to worry about the future or agonize about the past - even when we cannot change either. All we are doing is wasting precious time rather than enjoying the moment we are in and who we are spending it with. My fur babies have taught me to appreciate the “now”. Every moment is special, and I try really hard to remember this and appreciate where I am and who I’m with.
   
   As we’ve already established, it doesn’t take much to make our pets happy. Dogs seem especially happy to embark on a new adventure with a wagging tail - no matter where their journey might be taking them. Picture the dog sticking his head out of the window of a moving car taking in all the smells. They don’t know where they’re going, but they are enjoying the ride! This is a lesson that I learned later in life, but probably one of the biggest. Worrying about the outcome of something will only lead to frustration, especially if the outcome doesn’t meet your expectations. My pets have taught me that if you only focus on the destination (whatever that destination is), you’ll miss out on all the lessons and experiences along the way.