We are delighted to share with you a special gift: Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul. These stories were selected to give you a deeper, richer appreciation of the entire animal kingdom, as well as of the pets who share our lives.
Each of the thousands of stories we received for possible inclusion in our book was a gift. The selection process was difficult, but the stories that were chosen for Chicken Soup for the Pet Love’s Soul all vividly illustrate how a loving, interdependent relationship with a pet is life-enhancing.
We were touched by the many stories illustrating the tremendous love that flows so adundantly between pets and their owners. In return for our care, precious pets provide unconditional love, seemingly limitless affection and “to-die-for” loyalty. They love us, believe in us, and greet us with unbridled enthusiasm all the time, no matter what.
While reading all these stories, we noticed that some definite themes emerged. The first and strongest: pets today are a part of the family! Most pet owners consider their animal companions to be family members, while many even regard their pets as children. The family-pet bond is truly a powerful one!
It also became clear that pets offer people more than simple companionship. For some individuals, having a pet to care for actually gives meaning to life: a reason to get up in the morning, a reason to want to come home at night. Pets satisfy our timeless and tangible requirement as humans to love and be loved – and to need and be needed.
Many stories we received reflected the positive influence pets have on their owners. Pets draw us out of ourselves and bring out the kindest impulses of humanity. They connect us to nature and the rest of the animal kingdom, making us more conscious of the mysteries of God inherent in all things. Because of our pets, a deeper part of ourselves is unlocked – a part more compassionate, less arrogant, not as hurried; a part of us that is more willing to share our lives fully with other beings. When that happens, we know a truer, fuller, simpler meaning of happiness.
There were also many stories about a pet’s power to comfort and even heal. Our pets keep us from getting sick as often, and if we do become sick, we recover faster.
Taken together, the evidence is overwhelming: pets are good for our hearts, bodies and souls.
After reading these stories, you may find yourself basking in the warm memories of a beloved pet. We also hope to give you a new perspective on animal companions that you will put into action – loving them unconditionally and valuing the simple gifts they bring to your life. If you don’t have a pet, perhaps these stories will inspire you to enrich your life by going to your local animal shelter and adopting an animal who needs your love and will return it a thousandfold. Or, if you aren’t in a position to adopt an animal, you can make life a little brighter for your fellow creatures by volunteering your time – even as little as an hour a week – to walk, feed, groom or just love the homeless animals at your local shelter.
Ultimately, it is our deepest prayer that this book will positively impact the lives of millions of pets and people around the world.
JACK CANFIELD & MARK VICTOR HANSEN