Happy National Dog Day! The Top 10 Things I've Learned From My Husky "Kids"

Today is National Dog Day and what a great day it is! As any dog parent can attest, having a dog (or several) in our lives is such a wonderful thing. The bonds and connections we share with our furkids is just amazing and one of the truest things we can experience in life. Here's hoping today is a wonderful day for all our furry pals. Have a treat, play a game, get a big hug and kiss, stop by a rescue or shelter and play with a lonely, homeless dog (or adopt one!), and know today is their special day! So celebrate! I know we will be celebrating today, and everyday, the fact we have seven wonderful loving furbabies in our family, five Huskies and two stray cats. For more info on National Dog Day (founded by celebrity pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige & sponsored by Animal Miracle Foundation & Network) check out the National Dog Day's website and Facebook page too! 

I would like to take a moment to reiterate from last year, my list (in no particular order) of the Top 10 Things I've Learned From My Husky "Kids" that I feel has made me a better human:

1.  I’ve learned how to enjoy the more simpler things in life: the touch of a breeze, a beam of sunlight stretching across the deck, a butterfly as it flutters by, the feel of raindrops tapping my face, the smell of blooming flowers, the coolness of grass, the sound of fresh snow crunching under foot, and the taste of quietly falling snowflakes.
2. I appreciate food (even more so than before).
3. I am reminded how wonderful snuggling together can be. 
4. I’ve learned how to be a kid again and play. Topping my list are running in the yard, splashing in mud puddles, running through a sprinkler, playing Sibe football, engaging in an enthusiastic game of Slide the Sibe (between the Hu-parent’s legs), and Fetch. 
5. I’ve learned how to naturally de-stress: hanging out and relaxing with my daughter and with a Sibe under each hand, each leg, and one across my lap at the end of a long day (or anytime) is pure bliss and the best way to unwind. 
6. I totally understand the meaning of trust and undying loyalty. 
7. I’ve learned even more about the meaning of patience and unconditional love.
   
8. I’ve learned a new language, Siberian Husky-ease, that I love to listen to, and occasionally speak. 
9. I appreciate all things music – including the various octaves of the Sibes howling their hauntingly beautiful wolfsongs.
10. I totally appreciate Husky hugs and kisses for the priceless gems they are.

There are just so many wonderful things we can learn from our dogs. While everyday is "Dog Day," for most of us lucky hu-parents, let's use today to repledge our promise to be the best hu-parents and caregivers we can be to our own furkids, to remember all the K9 soldiers and therapy dogs working out there, and to help bring awareness to the all-too-many homeless ones still out there waiting to to be adopted and loved by someone in a forever home.

"It is the Human Condition to Love.
It is Love that Changes the Human Condition.
It is the Love of one Human that can 

Change a Nation.
It is that Love which empowers one Nation, 

to save man's best friend."

~ Colleen Paige - Founder of National Dog Day

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Hurricane Irene Information Reminder: A good source to keep checking for hurricane tracking, pet-friendly shelters, willing foster care, and other pertinent information is the Hurricane Irene 2011 Animal Rescue Resource Page. Please see yesterday's blog entry for tips and other important resources. Be safe everyone.