A Short Time, A Lasting Love: Lessons From My Corgis (And All Pets We Hold Dear)

A Short Time, A Lasting Love: Lessons From My Corgis (And All Pets We Hold Dear)

There’s a truth I’ve come to know deeply—our pets don’t stay with us nearly long enough. One day they’re tumbling across the floor with puppy clumsiness or tiny kitten meows, and the next, you realize their muzzle has grayed, their steps have slowed, or their eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were. Time moves too quickly when love is this pure.

My five corgis make my world. Each of them has a unique personality—sass, sweetness, chaos, loyalty, and love bundled into little fluffy bodies with stubby legs and endless energy. They follow me from room to room. They wait outside the shower. They watch me like I’m the most important person in the universe—and to them, I am. That kind of love humbles you.

But I also know this truth isn’t just mine.

Whether it’s a loyal golden retriever, a curious tabby cat, a chattering parrot, a snuggly rabbit, or an old, gentle horse—our animals imprint on our souls. They ask for so little, yet give us so much. Their love is unconditional. Their presence is healing. Their ability to sense our moods, to comfort us without words, is nothing short of miraculous.

In the whirlwind of life—stressful days, long hours, unexpected curveballs—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But one thing I’ve learned, and keep learning, is that my frustration should never land on them. They didn’t cause the bad day. They don’t understand a raised voice. All they know is that something feels off, and they want to be close.

They stay. They offer a soft paw, a warm nuzzle, a quiet sigh beside you. They don’t ask questions—they just love. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing in the world.

We often forget that while we are their whole world, they are only here for a fraction of ours. That’s why every moment matters. Every cuddle. Every silly antic. Every zoomie around the yard. Every chirp, nudge, tail wag, and purr. We owe them patience. We owe them gentleness. We owe them our hearts—because they've given us theirs with no conditions, no expectations, and no limits.

They teach us how to slow down. How to laugh more. How to live in the moment. How to forgive quickly. How to love without keeping score. And most importantly—how to be present.

Their time may be short, but their love outlasts their bodies. Long after they’re gone, we still hear the jingle of their collar. We still catch ourselves looking for them in the doorway. We still feel them in the quiet spaces—their spirit curled up in our hearts, just as loyal as ever.

So for as long as I have them—my five corgis and any pet who blesses my life—I will keep holding them close. I will keep saying “I love you” more than once a day. I will keep petting them longer than necessary. I will keep celebrating the small things—because those become the big memories.

Because pets don’t just make life better—they teach us how to live it better.

They are our greatest teachers in fur, feathers, hooves, and scales.

And if we’re paying attention, they leave us better than they found us.