"We love these two big boys because they are affectionate and devoted friends. Our chocolate lab is Mousse, an 11-year-old boy turning a little grey. The Black Lab is Buddy, an eight-year-old boy who acts like he is 2 years old. They keep us young and busy. They must stand in the bow of the boat to make sure we are safely navigating the waters they love." – Richard and Carol Haver of Great Falls. Photo contributed
For us lucky ones, pets are part of our lives. Most pets, regardless if they're furry, feathered, finned, or otherwise, elicit our unconditional love. It doesn't matter the responsibilities and expenses. We are there for them every day, from their cute wide-eyed early weeks of life and for many during their last car ride, our hearts aching.
Unknown to pets, they are the best of human mood-boosters, most of the time. Pets increase our physical levels, even when we growl, crawling out of our warm beds in the predawn darkness and schlumping outside with them or filling their dishes with food and water before making our cups of coffee.
And we take pictures of our pets because their faces are friendly, their lives generally short, and they are our adopted family members, welcomed into our homes and cherished in our hearts.