I’ve always noticed massive dogs and am drawn to them immediately. The THS experiences have taught me that every dog has his day, his appeal too. Some of the smallest have bowled me over and refused to be ignored or overlooked. This picture about a Yorkie is a case in point. So much comes from so little!
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I can relate to this @Highfive 
my sister has chiahuahua and I developed a real soft spot for them after spending some time with them! I used to think they were loud and snappy but they’re so sweet (but also loud and snappy when feeling territorial 
)
This is Noa, the old boy of the chihuahua crew, he likes to be held like a baby.
Is there a little dog in particular who first melted your heart?
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Finding the right partner is one of the most important choices in life. How they treat pets is a very valuable pointer!
Was watching a murder series and the murderer had killed a pet parrot, as a child. Animal cruelty can be a pre cursor to human cruelty..
My wife was brought up with budgies whereas I always had dogs.. but whatever the pets how they get treated speaks volumes!
I’m dog sitting in Oxford. This one is very bright; he’s only six and an early reader! He just laps it up!
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I’d like to introduce you to the latest recruit at the village police station in our Spanish home in Madrid Province.
Some are highly trained to battle against the toughest of criminals and assist in their detection and capture.
This one is quite over powering already and he’s clearly very young still.
He’s got me under his paw of the Law already!
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Three In A Bed
The pets here love me,in the day, so jumping into bed at night makes so much sense. Offerings on the kitchen floor first thing in the morning at breakfast time are tributes to the Big Hairy Baldy One! (BHBO)
Who is adoring whom?
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I’m sure many were saddened to hear about the passing of Jane Goodall, such a wonderful animal lover specializing in the study and care of Chimpanzees.
Her love of dogs wasn’t perhaps so well known. I totally agree with her about dogs being very special. RIP.
Please read these shots last to first!
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A lovely tribute @Highfive - thank you for sharing!
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Right now, my cat Walter is teaching me the value of early nights and keeping cosy!
As a young cat, he was out and about all night, but now that he’s an old gentleman, he much prefers to stay home.
I tend to be a night owl, but Walter always looks so comfy and cosy on my bed, so I’ve started getting into bed much earlier because it gets dark so early!
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Jumping in a little late to this beautiful thread, but I’ve loved reading everyone’s stories.
The pets we’ve cared for over the years have quietly become some of our best teachers. Dogs remind us to slow down and savour the unhurried moments — those early-morning wanders where they sniff every leaf like it’s brand new. Cats, of course, have perfected the art of being fully present… and fully themselves. One elegant little queen taught us that “purrfection” is simply choosing comfort, warmth, and good company, preferably in a sunbeam.
And then there are the gentle souls like rabbits, who nibble on delicate petals as if reminding us to take life one soft mouthful at a time. They teach you to sit, breathe, smell the roses, and even watch the grass grow — literally — without rushing to the next thing.
I suppose that’s the magic of animals. Their lessons arrive quietly, wrapped in small, daily moments, until they become part of the rhythm of your own life.
Looking forward to reading more of these lovely reflections.
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Beautifully put and I find that when I solo sit I get very intuned to each and every one, becoming more reflective about what I’m experiencing and learning from them. Rabbits were a big surprise how very trusting and accepting they were for their daily feed. They were hand fed so we quickly bonded and meals couldn’t be rushed, which was as near to breast feeding as a male sitter can get I expect! Whereas the Labradors in my life now make the feeding ritual quite short and all consuming in a different way!
My own Great Danes enjoyed their food but were quite messy and slopped some about and left some in their raised bowls that were placed at bench height to aid their digestion and avoid stomach bloat. Birds and badgers would then swoop in and amble along (in the case of the badgers) to tidy up after these giant diners. How I miss my messy monsters! I admired their Lack of greed and how once fed they didn’t pester me for treats. That can’t be said of some eternal beggars !
I’ve just accepted a week’s sit of a beautiful Bull Mastiff
On the video call I had to confess how excited I was about the prospect! I’m sure the huge dog will teach me some new tricks! How do I explain the six hour car journey is sure to be worth the trouble? The Home Owners know where I’m coming from, fortunately. My chance to relive my Great Dane cherished memories for sure!
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