Sanctuary: The pleasure of pets

In the eyes of your four-legged friend, it never matters what kind of day you've had, where you've been, or what you've done...they will love you unconditionally.  How is it that they seem to know when you're feeling out of sorts?  They'll just come and sit beside you and 'lean', or rest their head in your lap.  I've read many times about the physical and mental health advantages of owning a pet, and it really does seem that stroking them is not only relaxing for them, but for us too!



We've had pets in the form of cats and dogs for years...on both sides of mine and my hubby's families, and as much as they can sometimes drive you absolutely nuts and leave you covered in hair, they are constant, loving, happy companions.  Today, I thought I'd share with you a few pictures of our two handsome and very bouncy doggies, who are always there, tails wagging, no matter what.

We have Daisy, the Dalmatian, who is nearly twelve but thinks she's about six months old!  I don't think her body is as willing as her mind these days though.  She's a typically affectionate and highly strung spotty dog who loves the sound of her own voice and barks her head off at the postman and anyone else that dares to walk past the gate!  She's totally food-driven, always up for a game and is just lovely...

'I could help you out with some of those crisps...  If I just sit here, looking pretty, you could just sneak me one...'

'Oh, go on...  Don't make me beg for it..!'

Monty is our English Pointer and we rescued him when he was about sixteen weeks old.  The poor lad had a rough start, and has a few health issues, but he is the biggest, softest sweetie!  As he's a gun dog, he has a really keen nose and is always on the hunt.  Many a time, in the woods, a deer has dashed across the path in front of me with Monty in hot pursuit!  He's a good boy though because he'll come straight back when I call him.  He's a 'needy' dog that just wants to love and be loved.

Here's a shot of handsome Monty, taken at the same time that Daisy is trying to snaffle crisps...

'There's something over there...just under that bush!  Can't you people smell it?'

'Well, I'm not giving up, even if you lot aren't interested...  I can stand here all day!' 

I'm off to give them a cuddle.  Have a happy Monday!