Public speaking; something I have never been particularly strong at. I can be very shy and quiet in person until I get to know someone.

Over the past semesters i’ve been able to get to know my classmates very well. I have no issues standing up and presenting… until you call it a speech.

This week we had to present a speech on a randomly picked topic out of a hat.

One of my friends unfortunately chose “The benefits of owning a pet.” Problem for her was she has never owned a pet! Perfect opportunity. It was an ideal topic for me and I could help a friend out at the same time.

I received some wonderful feedback about it so I thought I’d share it here.

My take on “The benefits of owning a pet”

Almost any animal lover would tell you that there is nothing better than sharing your life with a pet.

I often tell people that I do not own my dogs but that they own me.

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There is a ton of truth in that statement. They have me completely trained and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Have you ever wanted a morning alarm clock that was fail proof?

School mornings start at just after 6am with soft nuzzles on toes or a furry body wrapped around my head. This is my daily morning reminder that two furry faces are STARVING and can’t wait a minute longer for their breakfast.

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Owning dogs help me appreciate the small things in life.

Food is always worth celebrating.

Walks are meant to be taken daily, with time to smell the flowers along the way.

And always avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

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But my utmost, absolutely, hands down favourite thing about owning a dog is the constant smiles and happiness they bring to those around them.

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Consider;

An elderly woman with Alzheimer’s who hasn’t spoken a word in over ten years talking softly, but very clearly to my dog.

An autistic child’s face lighting up with smiles as Zoey plays fetch with him. She doesn’t care that he is different.

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My grandfather in palliative care finding both comfort and smiles while a little dog is curled up beside him receiving pats on her head.

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No matter what is happening in your life, what you look like, or what you are feeling; your dog will always love you, and adore you.

Unconditional, unwavering, non-judging; owning a dog is to be loved in loves purest form.

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