While reading the article “Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive” in this month’s Healthy Kids section, which discusses the profound effects having a pet has on kids’ health, character development and well-being, it got me reminiscing about my childhood pup, Missy. One day when I was about 5, my mom went to throw out the garbage and found this itty-bitty puppy that had literally been thrown away. She brought this cute, affectionate schnauzer mix home to show me and my sisters and, needless to say, it was love at first sight! Missy, which we promptly named her, became our beloved family pet for more than 17 years, and I’m convinced that she knew we rescued her. 

Missy was my fearless protector when the doorbell rang, my homework buddy (although she never really did eat my homework ) and gave me lots of cuddles when I was sad. She taught me compassion, responsibility and unconditional love. I can’t imagine what my childhood would have been like without having her in my life.  

I am an animal lover through and through, with a deep passion for rescue pets and a home filled with furry friends. I contribute this in large part to the role Missy played. As a parent, it’s so important to me that my children experience that same kind of unconditional love and responsibility of owning a pet (or pets, in their case) for a lifetime as I did.

And speaking of pets and children, we have an adorable local feature in this month’s edition—“What Kids Have to Say About Their Furry Friends”—that will surely bring a smile to your face.

 Happy reading and happy Fourth of July! 

 Shae