by Debora Spadafora

Created on: April 24, 2009

Pets are an extension of us. I strongly believe that pets do have emotions and indeed a sense of humour.

I have had two dogs, the first being a female shih-tsu my husband got for me after I had to have a complete hysterectomy and couldn't have children of my own. She became our baby and did everything with us. If we traveled, she went with us, stayed in some of the best hotels, went camping with us and enjoyed life on the whole with us. She was a very intuitive dog who always sensed our feelings and reacted in an appropriate fashion. Whenever I was sad or ill she would cuddle with me and offer kisses to soothe me. If I spoke to her she would listen and even try to talk to me in her own special way. That was very funny because even though I couldn't understand what she was trying to say, the expression on her face was priceless.

Did she have a sense of humour? Indeed she did. If we tried to leave on a vacation or week-end trip she would always know, no matter how hard we tried to keep it from her, she had her ways and would go out of her way to make sure we knew she did. She would bring her toys and her small travel bag and place it next to us as if to say, if you think you're leaving without me forget it.

Sheba my little shih-tsu lived with us for 15 years and finally because of old age she became blind and very weak and we had to make the hardest decision of our lives, the one to put her down. That was the most emotional time of our lives but we will never forget her.

After Sheba died we decided to get another shih-tsu and this time we decided on a male. We named him Kikko. Now Kikko and Sheba were as different as night and day. They say women are smarter, well in our case it was true for our dogs as well. Kikko, on the other hand was a lot more affectionate, men this one's for you. He loved to be touched and to demand our constant attention. When he's happy, he has the most profound smile I've ever seen on any animal. When he's sad, he turns his back on us as if to say, "I'm not talking to you".

Does he have a sense of humour? Of course he does. He makes it his duty to steal my Husband's hat every time he comes home and hides it. "That's what you get for leaving me alone all day", I think is what he's trying to say.

Both our pets have been a joy and a godsend to us. Without them we could never have the quality of life we both enjoy. Love is a worthy thing you have to give it to receive it. Never believe for one minute that pets do not have feelings or can show emotion. They are a living, breathing thing just like us. Treat them the way you would have others treat you.

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