Thankful for... animal lovers

Not everyone is a pet person.  Some people are cat people, some are dog people, some are animal people, and some are none of the above.  Hubby and I are clearly animal people.  In our lifetimes, between the two of us, we have had cats, dogs, ducks, rabbits, fish, and a newt.  At current count, we have two mini dachshunds  Dexter and Chloe, and one cat, Nora.  Town ordinances prohibit us from owning livestock, otherwise, we would have ducks and a goat too.  Hubby is currently pushing for a hedgehog (I know right?) and I am rallying for another dog, or a turtle.  So, yes, we are clearly animal people.

Many of our pets, past and present, have been obtained through breeders, or purchased through other retail means.  But some of our pets have been rescue or shelter animals.  While many retailers are in it for money and money alone, reputable breeders, rescues, and shelters are often in it for the animals.  

Our local animal shelter is called Orphans of the Storm.  It is a no kill shelter, and like many no kill shelters, it is always in need.  Each year, the shelter has various fundraisers for money and collections of supplies so that  it can continue to function.  During the holidays, you can sponsor an animal, and donate food, toys, litter, and other necessary supplies to the shelter.  Several of our friends have adopted wonderful animals through this organization, and we have donated to them several times in the past.  

I am so thankful that organizations such as this, as well as the ASPCA, not only exist, but are filled with lots of animal lovers.  I am thankful that there are people who will rescue animals from dangerous and abusive living situations.  I am thankful for generous hearts who help support these animals, giving them love, homes, and new leases on life.

I am thankful that I am an animal person, that I married an animal person, and that we have such amazing pets as a part of our little family.