The Power of Pets: How My Menagerie Became My Joyful Chaos

If you have ever stumbled upon my About page, you will know I am not just an animal lover – I'm a bona fide pet enthusiast. And with that in mind, I thought it fitting to kick off my Pet Lovers blog with a tale of how my humble abode turned into a bustling sanctuary for all creatures great and small.

Picture it: Eight years ago, we bid a tearful farewell to our beloved canine companion, Bailey, after a blissful 15 years together. I was heartbroken. But my ever-attentive husband, sensing my sorrow, suggested we fill the void with another furry friend.

Enter Rocky – a charming Shorkie (Shih Tzu/Yorkie) with the demeanor of a wise old sage. Rocky quickly became the cornerstone of our growing family, his gentle presence bringing solace and joy to our home. And so, our journey into pet parenthood began again.

Six months later, we welcomed Molly into the fold – a dainty Yorkshire lass with a penchant for lap naps and if you are lucky, sweet kisses. She is our dinner bell reminder with an innate inner clock. The bond between Rocky and Molly was instantaneous, their camaraderie a testament to the unbreakable spirit of friendship.

But our family was not complete just yet. One fateful day, my husband stumbled upon a litter of rescue pups in need of loving homes. And thus began our quest to find the perfect addition to our brood. After a few near misses, we finally found our match in Thor – a spirited Schnauzer-Yorkie (and who knows what else) mix with a heart of gold and a penchant for mischief. We had never rescued before, and drove in a winter blizzard 6 hours there and back to pick him up, but he jumped onto my lap, curled into a ball and never looked back.

With three dogs in tow, we thought our furry family was complete. But fate had other plans. A chance encounter led us to Charley – a pint-sized dynamo needing to be rehomed, with a love for soccer. She does not just run after a thrown ball, she dribbles, passes, and uses defensive tactics all while highly focused and attuned. She also has a discerning eye for television and can be found watching her favorite shows and commercials. She fit right in, asserting her dominance with grace and charm.

Charley watching TV

I thought our furry family was complete at four. We had achieved a harmonious balance with two girls and two boys. But, as fate would have it, my eldest son had other plans. And so, we welcomed Zeus into our midst! A Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie) with a heart of gold, Zeus quickly became the defender of the group. Whenever tensions ran high or mischief was afoot, he was the first to step in and restore order. And with his sweet howl, he became our faithful guardian, alerting us to any visitors at the door.

But the story does not end there. Eager to spread our wings (and our love), we ventured into the world of avian companionship, welcoming our Cockatiels, Sophie, and Sebastian, into our home. Their playful chirps and affectionate antics brought a new dimension to our household, bridging the gap between feathered and furry friends.

Sophie

Sebastian

And then came the fish – a tranquil oasis amidst the chaos of daily life. What started as a modest endeavor soon blossomed into a full-fledged aquatic paradise, complete with vibrant discus and serene schooling fish.

But our menagerie did not stop there. I love pigs, and a chance encounter at the pet store with a little guy whose markings remind me of a piglet introduced me to the wonderful world of hairless guinea pigs. Of course everyone needs a companion, and so Wilbur and Mr. Binky stole our hearts with their quirky charm.

And as if that were not enough, fate intervened once more, bringing Pepe and Vader into our lives – two remarkably busy gerbils with a penchant for adventure at night.

Now, I will be the first to admit that our journey into pet parenthood has not always been smooth sailing. From late-night vet visits to the occasional squabble between furry siblings, we have weathered our fair share of challenges. But through it all, one thing remains constant – the unwavering love and companionship of our beloved pets.

So, why share my story? I am not encouraging anyone to go out and buy a bunch of animals. Any pet decision requires much research and soul searching. Animals need proper care and attention, they cost money for proper care, and you need the time to invest in them. For me, it is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that pets bring into our lives. From the comforting cuddles to the chaotic camaraderie, our furry (and not-so-furry) friends have enriched our lives in ways we never thought possible.

And if you are a fellow pet lover, I hope our tale serves as a reminder of the boundless joy that awaits those willing to open their hearts and homes to the creatures that share our world. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, there is nothing quite like the unconditional love of a furry friend to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.