Five Reasons to be Thankful for Pets this Thanksgiving, and Meet LifeLine Animal Project's DeKalb Pet of the Week

By KAREN HIRSCH (Star Patcher)

Are you thankful for your pets? With Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is a great time to pause and think about all of the wonderful things that our pets bring to our lives. Here are just five (out of many) reasons to be grateful for your furry family members:

1. Pets are ecstatic to see us when we come home. It’s like reuniting with a best friend that you haven’t seen in years every single time you walk in the door. Is there anyone else in your life who is consistently that happy to see you? Cats may not show it in the same way as dogs, but don’t be fooled, they are overjoyed to see you too.

2. Pets are funny. Do a search under “funny pet videos,” and you’ll find more videos of pets doing wacky things than you can possibly watch. Our pets have unique personalities and their adorable antics keep us laughing. We owe them a little gratitude for all that entertainment.

3. They are great companions. Want to snuggle? Want to go for a walk? Need a friend who will never judge or criticize you, but will instead only focus on your good qualities? Then look no further than your pet. They are our family members and our best friends for good reason.

4. They make us healthier. Numerous studies have shown that people who have pets are physically and mentally healthier than those without them. Pets can have a calming effect on us that reduces our blood pressure, they keep us moving and improve our physical health and the joy and companionship they provide improves our mental health.

5. They live in the moment with gratitude. They don’t hold it against you if you were in a bad mood yesterday and didn’t want to play. Instead, pets are focused on the here and now. And who among us couldn’t stand to improve in the “live in the moment with gratitude” category? Watch your pet. They are amazing teachers!

All of us at LifeLine Animal Project give thanks to our best friends for all of the wonderful gifts that they have given us and the profound ways they have impacted our lives!

What, you don’t have a pet? Well LifeLine Animal Project has the perfect one for you, and he just happens to be our Pet of the Week.

LifeLine at DeKalb Animal Services Pet of the Week: Shorty

Meet Shorty, an adorable little boy who has an adorable personality to match! It doesn’t get much cuter than Shorty, and everyone is instantly drawn to this loveable boy when they meet him. What makes Shorty so special? Is it his petite, 30 lb. body, short, corgi legs or super loving demeanor? Maybe it’s how he charms everyone he meets by giving them kisses and wags. Or maybe it’s something else, but you be the judge. Come meet Shorty today, and take him home for Thanksgiving! We’ll thank you during our November “Home for the Pawlidays” special by giving you half-off the regular adoption fee, so you can adopt him for only $42.50, including his neuter, vaccines and microchip!

To meet Shorty, drop by the shelter at 845 Camp Road in Decatur, email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com or call (404) 294-2165. To view other pets available for adoption, please drop by the shelter or visit www.dekalbanimalservices.com.