Is there anything better than that four-legged happy dance at the end of a long day? Or a lap full of a purring bundle of fur?  Who doesn’t love the unself-conscious enthusiasm and outpouring of unconditional love? It’s an amazing gift in a busy world, that’s for sure.

Having a pet can bring so much to anyone’s life. Your animal can comfort you when you are sad or upset, and they are always on your side. When you’re happy, they share your mood. They help you not to feel lonely and they can help you stay active (by begging mercilessly for walks). Your pets will forgive you when you’re cranky, will help you reduce your stress levels, and will be faithful companions when you’re sick. Children raised with pets learn gentleness, kindness, patience and tolerance. They learn to speak for and look after someone more vulnerable than themselves. They learn that everyone is different, and special.

The animals that come into our shelter often have a sad, sometimes tragic story, and they usually come in through no fault of their own. Dogs that are so neglected that their breed is unrecognizable. Dogs that are so afraid that they tremble when spoken to. Cats that hide away, wide eyed with fear. Too often we see that the pet owners have been cruel, negligent, or too wrapped up in their own problems to care about the suffering of their animals.

The flip side of that is that we also see what is possible with patience and kindness. We see people who come in to adopt an animal and deliberately choose the scared, challenging or abused ones. They have faith in their ability to help the troubled animal and confidence in the outcome of the adoption. Very often we hear from these families because they love to tell their success stories and always, we hear how much the animal has brought to their lives. It makes you feel that anything is possible with enough time and caring and belief.

I think of that observation made by Gandhi that says, “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”  If all vulnerable creatures in our community could be treated with understanding and support and acceptance, so much could change.

Spend some time with an animal. Let them teach you a thing or two.

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Cupcakes to the Rescue! February is Cupcake month and you can host your own event, or help out with ours on Feb. 29. Watch the website for more information, or email me at cathy@niagarafallshumanesociety.com. Plan to attend my personal cupcake event, Cupcakes and Inspiration, on Feb. 22 in my office at the shelter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a donation, you can sample my homemade goodies, and I promise to provide you with some personal inspiration and encouragement. And if you can inspire me, I will donate $5 to the cause!

Cathy Fugler is communications director for the Niagara Falls Humane Society.