by Audrey Busciglio

Created on: April 23, 2009   Last Updated: March 06, 2012

Pets are our friends and companions. These adorable furry creatures become part of our lives when we choose to take them into our hearts. There is so much sadness with animal abuse that people who genuinely want to care for these helpless animals should be commended.  All the joy that pets give us are wonderful experiences that warms the heart and soul. They give so much unconditional love every day of our lives. They are always there for us and love us no matter what. In other words, they are family.

I have always been an animal lover, and got a dog when I was eight years old. My first dog lived a long and happy life and died when I was twenty two. She was lovable and loyal. Needless to say her death left me very sad, because she was loved, missed, and a big part of my life. She was like my sibling without the difficulties of sibling rivalry.

My present dog joined my family twelve years ago when my children were old enough to understand the responsibility of pet ownership. She is twelve now a senior dog, but, in her mind she is six or seven. Her energy level is high and she is in good shape. She watches what she eats and exercises regularly. Madi is also very loyal and lovable. I tell people she is like my fourth child. My nurturing quality gives me the opportunity to baby her, which I don't mind. Although I must say she is babied by my husband and children also.

Madi had a medical emergency which required immediate veterinary care. The trip to the doctor's office was scary for her and also for me, not knowing if she would be well was very daunting. People may say she is "just a dog," but, people who usually say this are people who have not felt the love and companionship of a pet. Her sad eyes and overall malaise was very troubling to experience. She needed to stay overnight at the vet's office hooked up to an IV drip to combat the infection she had in her system.

It was heartbreaking leaving her and tough on all of us not knowing if she would overcome this illness, or succumb to this bacterial infection that was plaguing her body. If she was "just a dog" as some people would say my family would not have been so upset, but, because of the possible loss of our dear friend we did feel the pain of uncertainty. I told her I loved her before she was left at the doctor's office and I hoped, and prayed for the best.

The next day was much better than the day before. The medicine helped her and she was able to fight the infection

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