Giving Thanks to our Pets, and LifeLine Animal Project's Pets 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. Pets make 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. Pets make us healthier. Numerous studies have shown that people who have pets are physically and mentally healthier than those without them. They 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. Pets 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 over the past 12 years and the profound ways they have impacted our lives!

What, you say you don’t have a pet? Well LifeLine Animal Project has the perfect one for you. Meet our Pets of the Week.

LifeLine’s DeKalb County Animal Services Pets of the Week: Chloe and Chutney

Want to add some joy to your life? Then meet our first Pet of the Week Chloe. This girl is all smiles, all of the time! Chloe is a adorable three-year-old Labrador mix who just oozes happiness. She adores people, loves to go on walks and likes to play with toys. Chloe also gets along with other dogs. So come in, meet Chloe and get happy today! And if you are the lucky person who makes Chloe thankful by adopting her during November, we will waive the adoption fee! We’ll also throw in her spay, vaccines and microchip -- $200 worth of services – for FREE! We’ll screen potential adopters as always to ensure she goes to a good home.

If you’re looking for a dog to cuddle, then our next Pet of the Week is your girl. Meet Chutney, a one-year-old sweetie who has a striking light brindle coat that is sure to turn heads. Chutney is smart and curious and will tilt her head whenever she hears an interesting noise and looks to you for an explanation. Chutney enjoys playing with other dogs, and going for walks. Don’t miss out on this great dog! And if you adopt her during November, her adoption fee will be waived! You’ll get this amazing dog plus $200 worth of services, including her spay, vaccines and microchip, for FREE!

Chloe and Chutney will bring so much joy to lucky famalies! Please come by and find out why the staff adores them by visiting the shelter, emailingadoption@dekalbanimalservices.com, or calling (404) 294-2165. To view other great animals available for adoption, visitwww.dekalbanimalservices.com.