Pets bring immeasurable joy into our lives. They each have their own unique personalities, quirks, needs, and wants—just like people. Some are bold and demanding of attention, while others are reserved, watching the world from a safe distance until they feel ready to engage. What remains constant is their ability to provide love, comfort, and companionship in the most heartwarming ways.

I have always felt a deep connection to animals, a kinship that has been part of me for as long as I can remember. There’s something about their innocence, their honesty, and their unwavering love that draws me in. But despite my love for animals, I can’t have a cat or dog of my own—my husband and daughter are both allergic, and as much as I would love to share my home with a furry companion, it simply wouldn’t be fair to them.

That’s where my “pet therapy” comes in. Instead of having pets of my own, I get my dose of animal love by visiting the beloved pets of my friends—especially the wonderful little menagerie at my friend Julie’s house. Julie and her husband, Dave, have a home filled with love from their four adorable pets: Leo, Spartacus, Snoops, and Boris. Each of them has their own distinct personality, and spending time with them brings me so much joy.

Leo is the ultimate attention-seeker. He is the kind of dog who makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world the moment you walk through the door. He’ll get up on his hind legs, his big, pleading eyes silently begging for me to pick him up. If I let him, he would stay in my arms for my entire visit, soaking up all the love and attention I can give.

Then there’s Spartacus, his canine brother, who is more cautious and reserved. It took time, many visits, before I earned his trust. But once I did, he welcomed me into his world with gentle affection. He now knows I am a friend, and that bond feels incredibly special.

Julie recently added two rescue cats to her family, Snoops and Boris. Their lives before finding their forever home were not easy. Boris had to have his tail surgically removed due to past trauma, while Snoops came to Julie with no teeth. Despite their rough beginnings, they have found a loving, safe haven with Julie and Dave. They were slowly introduced to their new canine brothers, and I’m happy to report that all four of them now live together in peaceful harmony—most of the time!

On my most recent visit to Julie’s house, she captured a beautiful moment of me with all of them. The photo taken that day radiates happiness and contentment. It perfectly illustrates the beauty of individuality; how some beings crave the spotlight, while others prefer to observe from the sidelines. It’s a reminder that, just like animals, people have their own ways of engaging with the world. Some of us are naturally outgoing, eager for attention and connection, while others take time to warm up, quietly processing their surroundings before stepping forward.

And that’s the beauty of life. God created each one of us differently, and our job is to embrace those differences with kindness, patience, and understanding. Whether it’s with people or animals, love is about acceptance; seeing others for who they are and meeting them where they feel most comfortable.

Though I may not have a pet of my own, my heart is full, thanks to the love and joy I experience through the wonderful animals I get to visit. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.