As everyone can probably tell by my posts and social media shares, I'm very thankful to have Maya in my life. Not only is she a big part of my, our, life, she has also become an extended member of the family who's loving referred to as "niece" by my aunts, or begrudgingly as "granddaughter" by my own mother.
Maya's unconditional love and wet, yet unnecessary kisses, come to mind when people ask me how I know that she loves me in return. But what I tend to share more often than not, is that Maya's unwavering love and loyalty is none more present than when she predicts either pain or danger and puts herself in harm's way to save me.
It doesn't go unnoticed how Maya's tiny and lean body seems to be devoid of size limitations when she leaps into the air almost as if she were body armor ready to guard me from anything that may come into my path; and while her smothering hugs are plentiful, it's her gaze that tells me - tells us - so much more.
Yes, Maya is a dog and may not be able to communicate like we do, but in retrospect. she can feel and see the world a bit differently than us.
It's through those feelings and her unconditional love that she invites me, us, to feel the world through her eyes; to the point that if I were to pick a single reason as to why I'm thankful to have Maya be part of my life, I will say this instead: Maya has encouraged me to cherise those I love.
Why are YOU thankful to have a dog in your life?
This year +Purina has asked me to invite you to also tell and show the world why you're thankful to have a furry baby in your life by sharing your tweets, Facebook or Instagram, and adding #dogsharing and tagging +Purina to your dog family photos and videos, to have the opportunity to be featured during the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day.
If that wasn't enough, +Purina and #dogthankging will donate one dollar ($1.00) to the +AKC Canine Health Foundation (up to $50,000), to help keep our loyal companions healthy.
Happy #DogThankging - and hopefully I'll see you and your furry child during the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day!
Ana Lydia
