5 Reasons I’m Thankful God Gave Us Pets
If you know me or have followed this blog for a while, you probably already know that I’m a dog lover. Over the years, our dogs have become so much more than pets—they’ve been beloved members of our family and a source of so much joy, comfort, and even life lessons.
Our first sweet pup was a little dachshund named Sadie. When Sadie turned two, the Lord blessed our family with another little companion—a five-pound pug we named Big-T. Those two brought so much love and personality into our home.
Sadie passed away just two weeks after her 15th birthday. Then, four months before his 16th birthday, we lost Big-T, who had also become a big part of our YouTube channel.
Both times, we were absolutely heartbroken. Our home felt different, and we felt a little lost without them.
Now we have our sweet pug, Winston, who will turn three in December. Oh, how much joy this little guy has added to our lives! He has reminded us once again just how special the gift of a pet can be.
As I’ve thought about the joy, love, and even heartache our dogs brought into our lives, I’ve realized there is so much to be thankful for. So I want to share five reasons I’m thankful God gave us pets—and five important things they teach us about life.
(1.) Pets Teach Us Unconditional Love
Pets love us through good days, bad days, and imperfect moments. They continue to love us regardless of our mood or mistakes. Their affection is often a sweet reminder of how deeply God loves us—His faithful and unconditional love.
Pets love us through good days, bad days, and imperfect moments. They continue to love us regardless of our mood or mistakes. Their affection is often a sweet reminder of how deeply God loves us—His faithful and unconditional love. Share on X“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Love is kind and never fails. (1 Corinthians 13)
(2.) Pets Bring Joy to Ordinary Days
A wagging tail, a silly habit, or a goofy greeting turns an ordinary day into something special. Pets have a way of helping us notice and appreciate little blessings.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
Pets have a wonderful way of bringing unexpected joy into everyday moments. A playful puppy can remind us to recognize and celebrate the simple blessings God gives us.
(3.) Pets Teach Us to Slow Down
Life gets busy, but pets need our attention. Walking the dog, snuggling with a puppy, or simply watching our pets play may pull us away from the rush and back into the present moment.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a (ESV)
(4.) Pets Teach Us About Caring for God’s Creation
Caring for an animal is a beautiful responsibility. Feeding them, protecting them, comforting them, and meeting their needs deepens our appreciation for the creatures God entrusts to us. Also: Genesis 1:25 reminds us that God created the animals, and Genesis 2:15 speaks about humanity’s responsibility to care for what God gives us to care for.
“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Psalm 145:9 (ESV)
(5.) Pets Remind Us That God Gives Good Gifts
Pets aren’t just companions—they become sources of comfort, laughter, companionship, and even healing during difficult seasons. When we appreciate what they add to our lives, we let their presence turn our hearts toward gratitude to the One who gives every good gift. Their presence can be a daily reminder to pause and say,
“Thank You, God, for this blessing, this day, and for life itself.”
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 (ESV)
Give Thanks
Psalm 107:1: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (ESV)
Our pets may have four paws, but they remind us of the creativity, kindness, and goodness of the God who made them—and of how much there is to be thankful for.
Our pets may have four paws, but they remind us of the creativity, kindness, and goodness of the God who made them—and of how much there is to be thankful for. Share on X
Have you experienced the joy of a pet?
Photos courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.
Last week’s post, Say Hello to Jesus and Farewell to Your Past.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).
© 2026 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Wanted to share this link to another ministry page. Ironically, he did his latest blog on Dogs too. It is quite unique, and touches on many invaluable elements of humans and dogs. Thank you for your ministry here. Hugs to Winston.
https://outdoortruths.org/dogs/
Thanks for sharing, Lisa. That’s neat. A wagging tail, a silly habit, or a goofy greeting turns an ordinary day into something special. Pets have a way of helping us notice and appreciate little blessings.
I’m a firm believer in everything you wrote here regarding our pets, Karen. They certainly bring joy and comfort to our lives and do become treasured family members. I’m so glad that my grandchildren are growing up with a dog and three cats. A menagerie, for sure, but it’s taught the girls so much about unconditional love. Give Winston a hug for me!
I’m glad the girls are growing up with that many pets. Hey, just so the dog and cats can get along with each other, the more the merrier. 🙂 Yes, so many life lessons from pets, especially unconditional love like from our Heavenly Father. God bless.
I’m thankful for the pets that God has given us to love and cherish. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
I am too, Melissa. Pets are such loyal and sweet companions. God bless.
So appreciated this post Ms. Karen. My two fur babies were so important in helping me through the dark days after my late wife’s “graduation to Glory”. Even when I was missing meals, forgetting to take them out, and sleeping way more than I should, they loved me unconditionally. How God has made them to be such comforters is such a blessing.
I am sure they were a great comfort during that time. That had to be a difficult season for you. When Mike had his heart attack and we were away from home for 6-7 weeks in critical care out of town. I so longed for sweet Winston to cuddle with in my heartache over what we were going through. I was thankful for friends who took care of him and I Facetimed with him several times, and cried seeing him. God bless you in your new season of life as you keep the sweet memories alive.
Pets are such a blessing and I love all the reasons you listed. Once I last pet passed, we have not gotten any more because of travels so I live through our grandpups and grandcats. But I’m missing them around the house. So maybe in the near future
Yes, Yvonne, you all do travel a lot. And in our van travels to film, we take Winston with us. But overseas and stuff you would have to board pets. So thankful God gave us pets.
Pets have taught me so many important lessons about God’s love and how to slow down and be present! Thank you for this.
Same for me, Jessica. Pets love us through good days, bad days, and imperfect moments.
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Love this as we are dog lovers also. Love little Winston! We have a miniature pincher and her name is Kisses. We did have another min pin and his name was Hershey but he passed away 3 years ago. We miss him so much but we still have Kisses who we love dearly!!❤️
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and about your pets, Tracey. Kisses is such an adorable name. It is hard to lose a beloved pet and we always remember them. But thankful for new pets that come into our lives to help with that loss. God bless.