Furry Companions Making Days Brighter
Gizmo and Gadget (Pawsome Ventures) enjoying a nice day in Flagstaff.
It’s National Dog Day! But how do you celebrate a (wo)man’s best friend? Whether they realize it or not, my furry companions have been such a blessing. Any time I feel anxious or sad, they are ready to brighten my day, and all they want in return is to be sheltered, fed, and protected. Something I can gladly give my two adopted perritos Gizmo and Gadget.
Growing up, I took our family pets Buster and Chiapas for granted. I cared for them, but I didn’t recognize how important they were to our family. The older I got, the less time I spent with them, and looking back, I regret not treating them as the fur family members they were. They deserved so much better.
The moment I truly realized how special pets are was when I was in college. It was when I got the news that doctors told my mom she only had two weeks left to live.
I was devastated. I was heartbroken. I did not know how to handle that news. What made matters worse was I was not living with my parents, and they did not want me to leave college or disrupt my studies. But of course it disrupted my studies! I was told my mother’s cancer had taken over. I was told that in two weeks, MY MOTHER WOULD BE GONE!!!
I was living with a roommate who had two dogs. I spent the night crying uncontrollably. The bigger of the two dogs must have heard me. He came into my room and stayed with me. He put the weight of his body on me, and I threw my arms around him. He let me embrace him and cry continuously on his shoulder. He became my protector and would regularly check on me. It even got to the point that if slept in, he would panic and pull at my sheets as if he thought something was wrong. He became my best friend. My confidant. I regularly talked to him about what was on my mind, and he would patiently sit and listen. He’s one of the best therapists I’ve ever had.
Fortunately, the doctors were wrong. My mom had a few years longer to live. She didn’t pass away until after my father did, so I truly believe she hung onto life, for him. After they were both gone, I was in a dark place, in a toxic work environment and surrounded by toxic people. It was something I had a hard time climbing out of. Even with therapy. Even after moving closer to family. So I developed the bright idea of adopting a pet of my own— Gizmo.
Gizmo, the year I adopted him from the Arizona Humane Society: 2014.
I looked for Gizmo for two years…
I knew I did not want to get a dog from a breeder because there are so many homeless dogs waiting for a home, but I was also looking for a connection. I checked in with shelters every time I had a chance and met with rescue groups, but I just didn’t connect with any of the pets. I didn’t know what I was looking for. All I knew was that I had so much love to give, and I was tired of putting that love in the wrong places, towards the wrong people. I just knew that even though a pet would not replace that love and security I felt from my parents when they were alive, it would at least be a good place to channel all the love in my heart that wanted to burst out.
I almost convinced myself I was being too picky and maybe a connection right away wasn’t realistic. But when my birthday came around in 2014, I decided to take a couple of days off to celebrate. With no one to celebrate with, I decided I’d pamper myself with a spa weekend and find a best friend at the shelter. I arrived to an Arizona Humane Society location before they even opened, and to my surprise, the staff was outside walking towards me with the cutest, happiest, fluffiest little guy.
My heart leaped and I said, “is this Gizmo?!!!” as I crouched down to the ground. I knew his name from the list of dog photos on the shelter’s website.
The staff member said, “It sure is!”
And as I put my hands down on the ground to steady myself, Gizmo happily skipped up to me. He put one paw on one of my hands, and the other paw on the other hand. and then licked my face! My heart sang!!! And I let out a high pitched squeal that I had never heard before.
I thought, “I found my new best friend!!” As he looked at me with what looked like a grin! (To this day, I still feel like I’m describing a movie when I tell that story!)
I instantly gave Gizmo my heart and home…
We became inseparable, and I instantly felt more at peace. No longer stuck in a dark place.
Just light.
Everywhere.
Since I felt brighter and lighter, I noticed I started attracting positive people as well. I was also able to let go of the toxic people in my life, and leave an industry that was weighing me down.
I also believe that because of my newfound positive energy, I was lead to my now husband’s beautiful heart and pure love.
The year I married my husband and started my new career became the happiest time of my adult life, but I truly believe that what lead me to that point was the light and love that developed through Gizmo. He was the best therapy for me during a time I really needed it. And three years later…Gizmo inspired us to welcome home another family member!
But more on Gadget later….his big personality deserves its own page.
Happy National Dog Day!! May you appreciate the rays of light these beautiful creatures give to us humans who may not always deserve it.
Wishing you positivity and light especially during these trying times.
Much Love,
Erika Flores TV, the Periodista Fashionista