Dogs & Cats

Welcome to the Unconditional Love series, where we bring you heartfelt stories from bloggers around the Web about all of the ways their animals have shown them unconditional love through the years. Be sure to check back each week for a different post -- and share your own story for a chance to win $50 worth of pet food.

This week, we talked to blogger Natalie Lester from Petsafe. Here’s what she said about her pet:

What does your pet’s unconditional love look like?

Emma’s love for me is displayed simply with her presence. Because we are sometimes all the other has, she tends to follow me around the house and office so we are never apart more than we have to be. Whether it’s playing with her favorite toy or snuggling up next to me on the couch after a long day, I know Emma loves me just because she chooses to be with me as much as possible.

When did you realize you loved your pet unconditionally?

I’ve always been grossed out by mothers who wipe their children’s (furry or human) noses with their bare hands or don’t think twice about the germs their children are covered in when they are sick. However, when I adopted Emma, I completely threw all of these dispositions out the window. Whether it’s getting the sleep out of her eyes in the morning, dealing with accidents or yucky health issues, I am the pet parent who doesn’t think about the dirty situations. My unconditional love for her overrides any other concern I may have.

Why is the bond between a person and her/his pet so special?

As pet ownership increases across the country, so does the meaningful relationship we have with our pets. The majority of Americans who own a pet consider the furry friend a member of their family -- just like another child or sibling. Our pets have always held us in the highest regards, but the feeling is finally mutual. Dogs have always been man’s best friend, but now they are our family too.

Was it love at first sight for you and your pet? Or did it take a while to get used to each other?

Emma is the first pet that is totally my responsibility, and I thought long and hard about what pet ownership means before I adopted her. I picked out her name before I met her, knowing I wanted a playful and sweet puppy. I wanted a companion who would enjoy both long runs at the park and sleeping in on Saturday morning. I didn’t know Emma would fit all those characteristics immediately, but I knew enough to know I loved her. In the last year, we have found a life we love, and I wouldn’t trade her for the world.

Was there a time when your pet’s unconditional love was extra important to you?

Emma’s companionship is always important to me, but I feel it most when I am really stressed out. Whether it’s work, social commitments or family pushing me to the limit, she always finds her own way to make me smile and remind me that everything will be just fine.