The Best Thing with Four Legs

Daily writing prompt
What is good about having a pet?

What’s good about having a pet? Well, let me count the ways—though if you’ve ever shared your home with one, you probably don’t need convincing.

First off, it’s waking up in the morning and finding someone—wide-eyed, tail going like a propeller—already convinced that this is going to be the best day ever. Before coffee, before you’ve even remembered your own name, there’s this small creature acting as if the sun rose just to see you. And honestly, that’s not a bad way to start the day.

Then there’s the day itself. You slog through work, traffic, emails, and the soul-sapping noise of humanity, but when you open the front door, there they are—your furry fan club. They don’t care that your boss yelled, that the car needs new tires, or that your lunch was the sort of thing that made you regret your life choices. No, they just care that you’re home. Suddenly, the world feels alright again.

And yes, you’ll prepare their food, clean up after them, and—let’s be honest—occasionally bathe them when they smell like an old sock left in a rain barrel. But somehow, it’s fine. Because when that same muddy little maniac brings you a tattered tennis ball and looks at you like you’ve just been invited to the Olympics, you forget everything else. You toss it once, twice, maybe a hundred times—and in those moments, you’re both champions.

They get you off the sofa, too. Suddenly you’re walking again. Morning walks, evening walks, middle-of-the-night “oops-I-ate-something-I-shouldn’t-have” walks. And you know what? It’s good for you. A bit of fresh air, a bit of exercise, and the occasional chat with another sleep-deprived dog owner about the consistency of kibble. It’s all part of the grand adventure.

Then there are the quiet moments. When life has punched you in the gut and you’re sitting there wondering what went wrong—there they are. Not saying anything, not judging, just quietly being. And somehow that simple presence says, “It’s alright, mate. We’ve got this.”

Having a pet teaches you something, too. You start caring for this fragile, joyful little thing, and before long you find yourself looking at the world differently. You start noticing every living thing—the birds, the squirrels, even the neighbor’s cat who clearly hates you—and you start to care. You build empathy without even trying.

But above all, it’s the love. Honest, pure, and entirely without conditions. You can be wrong, grumpy, late, or hopelessly flawed, and they’ll still greet you like you’ve just returned from saving the world. Sure, the vet bills sting a bit these days, but you pay them, because that love—unquestioning, uncomplicated, unstoppable—is worth every penny.

That’s how my little Georgie makes me feel. Every single day.


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53 responses to “The Best Thing with Four Legs”

  1. danu40k Avatar

    I’ve had pets all my 61 years till this last January when the last one passed away from old age. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      That’s the only stress I feel about ‘em. They don’t live long enough. ☹️

      Liked by 2 people

      1. danu40k Avatar

        Yeah, I agree

        Liked by 2 people

  2. David Avatar

    That is all so true. We don’t have a dog, or any pet, in our life at the moment due to our travelling lifestyle and a really miss it. Maybe soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      It’ll be a great addition to your family. Dogs can travel in the cabin of airplanes now too. As long as they’re small enough ☺️.

      Like

  3. thomasstigwikman Avatar

    You gave a lot of good reasons for having a pet and I agree with them all. You have a beautiful dog.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Thomas.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Lynette d'Arty-Cross Avatar

    We lost our Rudy 10 years ago and still miss him terribly. We didn’t get another because of my work schedule in the Arctic and all the travelling we were doing, but we’re looking now. It’s going to be great to have another furry friend, for all the reasons you mention. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1.  Avatar
      Anonymous

      “Rescued” is my favourite breed.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. AKings Avatar

        Yes, all dogs need to have a good home.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. KikiFikar Avatar

        Me too! Ours is a rescue. Just love all of the “gotcha” stories. ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

    2. AKings Avatar

      It’ll be fun! ☺️…. And what were you doing in the Arctic?! 😳

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynette d'Arty-Cross Avatar

        I ran a passenger and freight airline; did some of the flying when necessary, as well. Up there, the tiny communities in the far north (some as small as about 100 people) are all connected by daily freight and passenger services.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. AKings Avatar

        Wow, you’re so cool. You’re like Topgun!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Lynette d'Arty-Cross Avatar

        The weather was definitely cool and so was I if didn’t wear my parka. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Joey Jones Avatar
    Joey Jones

    Lovely post x

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Joey

      Liked by 1 person

  6. arlene Avatar

    I love dogs,we have so many, Shih Tzu, Shih Poo and Aspins. And now we have this Siberian Husky temporarily staying with us.😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      From small dogs to an overexcited big one 😂. Good luck 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  7. joannerambling Avatar

    I no longer have a pet but I did have dogs as a child, actually I had a dog up until about 10yrs ago

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Maybe it’s time for a new one ☺️.

      Like

  8. Dinesh Kumar Avatar

    Dear friend, having a pet is truly one of life’s simplest and purest joys. The unconditional love, the daily companionship, and the way they make even an ordinary day feel special is something priceless. Pets remind us to slow down, smile more, and appreciate the small moments, whether it’s a morning cuddle, a playful walk, or just their quiet presence when we need comfort. They teach us empathy, responsibility, and a softer way of seeing the world. In return, all they ask is love, and that’s the best kind of exchange.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      I agree ☺️.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. gc1963 Avatar

    I am with you. That’s how Rinki made me feel. She is no more.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. girishchinnu2021 Avatar
      girishchinnu2021
    2. AKings Avatar

      That is sad. It’s one of my persistent worry too.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Praveen Yadav Avatar

    I love dogs . They are so cute 😍😍.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Yes they are! ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Praveen Yadav Avatar

    Dogs are the closest thing to humans.🤗🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Better than some humans I know 😂.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Praveen Yadav Avatar

        In terms of loyalty, these dogs are the best in the whole world.🤗

        Liked by 1 person

      2. AKings Avatar

        It’s true ☺️.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Praveen Yadav Avatar

        That’s why we all love dogs. We should always treat them with love.☺️☺️

        Liked by 1 person

      4. AKings Avatar

        True! ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Monika dass Avatar

    The way you described your pet in your piece 📝that….
    ‘ they just want your presence over anything…. they are not trapped in materialistic things.. they just crave love & attention from you…. they sit by your side even in low moments as a motivating factor… they always admire you as you are….’

    I don’t have pets… as I am not habitual to it…
    But Truly touched by your description of your angelic pet…

    Loved the picture of GEORGIE….🌻
    .
    Love & blessings for your angelic pet…GEORGIE…. nice name..🐶🐕🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Monika ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Monika dass Avatar

        My great pleasure….. 😇🌻
        Pets are the symbol of pure love…. They are joy….
        They are fun….
        & with their joy & fun… they make you run……🌻
        God bless you & your family. ✨️🌻…

        Liked by 1 person

      2. AKings Avatar

        God bless you too! ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Bronlima Avatar

    My daughter left me Mango the Chihuahua with me when she moved to England.The best thing was taking him for walks along the seashore cliffs of Lima. Lots of people stopped and said, “Que bonito!” I think they were referring to Mango, not me. But the most traumatic time was when I took little Mango to England……Aghghhhjh! Here the l8nk….https://geoffbrown250533044.wordpress.com/2022/09/06/travels-with-mango-the-chihuahua/

    Liked by 3 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Oh dear. Did he not like the flight? I’ll read the story! ☺️

      Like

  14. KikiFikar Avatar

    Love to your Georgie! Isn’t it the best?

    I’m in love with my Phoebe (and my other two dogs i had before her). I truly feel complete and happier with this dog in my life. She rounds out our family and I swear she is super happy here (well she’s spoiled so why wouldn’t she he? lol).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Yup, that’s seem to be all we do, spoil them rotten ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. SMILEZI Avatar

    Always my beloved

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Livora Gracely Avatar

    You’ve captured so perfectly the quiet magic that pets bring into our lives — that mix of chaos, comedy, and comfort that somehow makes the world gentler. Your Georgie feels less like a dog and more like a small philosopher with fur and a wagging tail. Reading this felt like sharing a cup of coffee with someone who gets it — that love doesn’t need words to be understood.

    What I found fascinating is how your story subtly hints that pets mirror our better selves — loyal, forgiving, curious, and unafraid to show affection. Maybe that’s why they heal us: because they remind us who we’re meant to be when the world makes us forget. Your essay isn’t just about dogs; it’s about rediscovering humanity, one pawprint at a time.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Livora. I appreciate your kind words ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Brenda Lee Avatar

    I’ve always had pets as well. I couldn’t imagine not having a dog in my home. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      I couldn’t imagine not having Georgie in my life ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Citizen Jane Avatar

    I smiled through this from start to finish. Thank you ☺

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      Thank you Jane ☺️.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Jo (Grace Between the Fields) Avatar

    Oh yes! They are always so excited when we come home as they look out the window waiting for us (or maybe their food 🤣). It is like a little reset after a long day at work.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. AKings Avatar

      One of the best feeling in the world ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

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