Right now, I am juggling 6 classes, water polo, swim team, and learning to drive. I am also a daughter, a sister, and a friend with all of the responsibilities those roles require. It’s really hard to be everything to everybody all the time. This is where my pets come in. When I am feeling overwhelmed and need to find a sense of calm, I look for my four-legged friends. 

My dog, Latte, is my favorite napping companion. She snuggles against me and she grounds me. We joke in the house about how she gives the best “furry kisses.” Most mornings Latte will launch from across the room, land on top of me in bed, and wake me up with a thousand of them. When my stress level is really high, I put my AirPods in, blast my favorite music, and take Latte around the neighborhood for a walk. To think we rescued her, and now she saves me.

My cat, Winnie, was born in the tree outside my window. She was named after a famous bear who loves honey and also lives in a tree (Winnie the Pooh). So, in a way, I’ve been close to her since she was born. Feeding her formula, training her to use the litter box, and keeping her safe has really bonded us. My family likes to call her my bestie because I am always looking for her when I come home from school or right before I go to bed to give her a hug. Although she may not always like my hugs, I will always give them to her. 

It’s funny to me to think that these two pets who coexist with my family don’t realize how big their purpose is. They just want to be fed, walked, and loved and yet they provide so much more to me. They give me a sense of calm when I am stressed, company when I feel alone, and unconditional love every day.