Growing up, having pets and keeping them safe was a big part of my family's life, and it continues to be today.
First up was Fluffy. She was my first pet. To be honest, I don't remember much about her, but the more I remember her bringing her joy to her family and her smile on everyone's face, the more she I've known that for a long time.
Isn't that what pets are all about after all? They provide a sense of camaraderie that makes the worst days better and cheers you up when you're sad. That's why we keep them safe and take care of them every day.
I've had many pets over the years, and they've all given me something different.
After Fluffy was Lois Lane, the only cat I ever had. She taught me to always be on my toes. She was the type of cat that would crawl onto your lap and purr to make you as comfortable as possible. After 5 minutes she will pat your arm or face and then run away to hide for the next few hours.I made up a nickname for her “Devil Cat” Because of that. Despite her actions, Lois was an important part of our family for almost 22 years and maintained her unpredictability to everyone in her family. She was often the smallest in her house, so she kept things interesting.
Lois had to compete with two giant schnauzers, Sasha and Velvet, at different times. I brought both back with me during my trip. My brother and I were visiting our grandparents in Florida for Thanksgiving when Sasha came home. Then, when I went on a school trip, her mother brought Velvet home. Just like Fluffy and Lois, welcoming Sasha and Velvet into the family couldn't have been a better decision. They brought a sense of security to the family because there was never a time when they weren't barking.
They were chirping nonstop at the front window of the house as I watched the leaves move outside. Imagine watching a football game in the middle of fall. The dog is sleeping at your feet, but suddenly it thinks it sees something and comes to the window.
Yes, it was a common occurrence in our house and it brought a smile to my face every time. They also had a false sense of how big they were. Both weighed about 75 to 80 pounds and were thought to be small enough to fit in your lap. They were that type of dog.
But having a pet makes you appreciate these things. It brings a smile to your face and happiness to your heart. This is why I wanted to get my own dog when I had the money and time. That's why me and his wife got Bentley, a Border Collie and Norwegian Elkhound, and he did exactly what all my pets have done so far. He is a happy person who always cuddles, runs around everywhere, and gives you lots of time early in the morning. He looks exactly like his brother Blue, a mini Australian Shepherd we brought home in August (my wife could only afford one more dog).i call him “Bulldozer” Because he weighs a solid 35 pounds and is muscular all over. Despite his small size, he frequently bullies Bentley, and their daily wrestling matches are a sight to behold.
All of my pets have their own quirks, but they have all played a special role in my life. This is why I have never understood why pets and animals are often neglected, abused, and neglected. I was pleased to see the measures Mr Struthers and Mr Campbell have recently introduced or are considering to improve animal care.
The City of Campbell approved an ordinance that goes hand-in-hand with the anti-tethering law passed by the city in June 2022. The law is designed to crack down on homeowners who chronically abuse or neglect their companion animals. It also provides stricter guidelines for outdoor enclosures. Struthers is considering toughening penalties for people who chronically let their dogs and other companion animals run loose. A first offense could result in a fine, but a second offense could result in a fourth-degree misdemeanor, punishable by 30 days in jail.
I must also commend the work of Jason Cook and the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project, who have consistently worked to help local animals in times of need. That's the care your pet deserves.
As a die-hard pet lover, pets deserve special care and love, so I hope these measures fulfill that intention going forward. Pets have brought great joy to my life. And I know that pets do the same for others.