My beautiful pets! — An essay that I wish I wrote in school.

Zaara and Floki — the centre of my universe are by far the best thing that ever happened to me. Zaara has been with us for over 2 years now and Floki has been here for about half a year.

Every decision has pros and cons. Choosing to get pets has only pros on both sides of the coin!

It is absolutely magical to watch the influence a puppy can have on a household and on each individual. Zaara is that metaphorical pin that holds it all together. She can break up any fight that we may have with a simple little whimper. Boy, did that help in our first year of marriage ;) And yes, for those who don’t believe it, they can feel it all. More than you can imagine.

They keep us active — Test our patience — Shower us with enough love to make us forget the mess they may have made — They listen [or at least the pretend to listen and they do NOT interrupt] — did I mention Floki hugs are the absolute best??

In the past two years, work and life have tested me beyond my limits and these two are the rays of sunshine that weave together my sanity. I look forward to the moments that I will play with them. I look at their picture on my phone wallpaper and daydream for a couple of minutes wondering what they may be doing. The biggest highlight of the day is when my mom sends me a picture announcing that Zaara pooped or Floki ate a piece of mud. The times they are sick breaks my heart and the sigh of relief is just huge when they get better!

There is a reason I am choosing to write about my dogs. I am surrounded by and meet a lot of people — many of whom like dogs and many who don’t.

I have also spent the last year studying parenting and the behaviours that go with it.

I am now convinced beyond any doubt that I love my pets as much as you love your child. The feelings of care, concern and bottomless love come from exactly the same place. No, I am not calling them my babies but it doesn’t make that love any less.

So the next time you choose to say “yuck” when you look at my dog, understand that I DO NOT like it. It is not ok for you to express disgust at someone I love deeply if you are my friend. Remember to be polite as excuse yourself as you would if you did not particularly love your friend’s little brat!

Because, my friend, they will never be JUST dogs to me.

Ps: I also realised, I love sharing about my puppies.

Next up: Zaara’s journey from Quikr to our home.