The Bonding Effect of a Pet

Who would think a dog could bring my husband and I closer? When we got our dog, Rosie, it was because our daughter (our last child) had gone off to college. Sadness and major separation anxiety swept over both of us following her departure. Rosie, although no replacement for our daughter, was exactly what we needed.

It’s been 3 years since Rosie came into our lives and with every day comes a reminder that this dog is the object of our joint love and affection. For example, the three of us spent this afternoon at Edgewater Park, near downtown Cleveland. It was a perfect afternoon to sit by the lake and watch the weekend kite-flyers. Rosie romped and ran across the green, making us laugh and smile.

We worked as a team as we maneuvered the lakefront area – some of it allowing dogs, some of it not. Trading off between walking Rosie and picking up her “deposits,” my husband and I worked together like a well-oiled machine. Once she was romped-out, Rosie flopped down on a blanket beside us to watch multi-colored and multi-shaped kites flap in the wind.

The ride home felt satisfying as Rosie sat between us, with her head pressed against my husband’s arm – what has become known as her “travel pillow.” With every passing day, it becomes increasingly clear that her love for us and our love for her makes our love for each other even better.

If you have a story about how your pet has brought you and your mate closer, I’d love to hear it.

September 20, 2009 | Filed Under Uncategorized 

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