For Jorja and Dali

I most certainly would have to say that Jorja and Dali have changed my life, they've changed my relationship with my wife and they've changed my entire routine. That being said, I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you aren't an animal lover you likely wont understand and should probably stop reading here.

I had a cat growing up who lived to the ripe old age of 15. The day my dad had to take her to the vet to put her to sleep is a memory I'll never shake. Blackie was a part of our family for 15 whole years. I feel bad that my feline friends now don't always get the focus that my dogs do but it's because they enjoy relaxing doing their own thing more than anything else and I'd have to say having adopted all 4 of my pets that they now enjoy a rather comfortable living (ha). Though I love both of my cats just the same, the extent of work a dog takes is so incredibly different I cannot even compare them.

I had never experienced having a dog growing up, and now I cannot picture life without them. Throwing not one, but two young dogs in to the mix in terms of my marriage with my wife has been such an amazing adventure. We are such an amazing team and I'm proud to say we've raised two really well behaved and extremely well taken care of dogs; even if they both have their quirks. It's also been amazing adding another living thing into your family that you love with such extreme devotion. Who else would I wake up with at 6am and take outside to pee rain or shine? Or clean up their vomit when they are sick? Nice image I know. In all honesty to my beloved furry companions, you have changed our lives and you've shown us what true team work is and true devotion because no matter what the day .... you still need us... both of us.

That being said, I cannot wait to add just one more addition to our family. When that time comes .... I'd like to think the way we've cared for and raised our dogs is just a slight indication of how we will do when we raise our children.

The true reason for writing this is to make a plea that if you have room in your family for an animal please take the time to consider the big picture and be prepared for the amount of time and effort they will need from you.  Especially this time of year when gift giving is at it's highest please make sure a pet is the right fit.  With that in mind please please please consider adoption. There is an abundance of pets out there who need homes; all different ages and breeds.  Buying a pet from a pet store is something I am strongly against as their are so many options for adoption even if you have a specific breed or age in mind.  Please check out www.petfinder.com for the right fit for you.  Give an even bigger gift this season, give an animal a forever home.