Thursday, April 11 is National Pet Day and some members of The Atlanta Voice’s editorial team shared photos with their beloved cats and dogs.
Discovering the power of a pet
By Lentheus Chaney
Meeting Star made me as exhilarated as a child on Christmas morning. My journey to Commerce, Georgia, this past March culminated in the first face-to-face meeting with the eight-week-old puppy I’d only known through pictures and videos.
Named for the star-shaped white patch on her chest, Star became the tiny ball of fur that entered my life when I needed it most.
Three months earlier, I had suffered my second heart attack. And during my recovery, the compelling need to bring a puppy into my home became undeniable.
According to the American Heart Association, dogs provide valuable companionship that can lead to a longer lifespan, especially for those recovering from heart conditions.
Star Duncan-Chaney, also known as my broke co-worker, has demanded my full attention. Embracing her has been a profoundly personal act of self-care, which I embrace wholeheartedly and without regret.
In celebration of National Pet Day, let’s acknowledge the joy pets bring into our lives.
I Was Never a Cat Person
By Isaiah Singleton
I was never a cat person until I first met Novacane. I was allergic to cats until I adopted Nova from a farm in north Georgia back in July 2021. Nova has been one of those pets that you love since you first laid eyes on her.
Speaking of, when I went to the farm, I adopted her from, she was the first cat I locked eyes with, and it was history from there. Nova, from day one, has always been my child it feels like. I love her with all my heart, and she has been running me since day one.
When I’m gone longer than 30 minutes, she meows for attention and wants me to pick her up and cuddle with her. She wakes me up every morning at 9 a.m. to feed her and sometimes earlier if she wants to play. Happy National Pet day to all the pet owners and pets out there. It’s a lifestyle.
He chose me
By Kerri Phox
I grew up with a dog and always wanted to have one when I settled in Atlanta. I talked to my sister Kelli about it and she supported the idea. Kelli joined me at The Humane Society of Atlanta to select a puppy.
The first pup we saw was a cute chocolate lab mix, but we did not have an immediate connection. I continued walking around the floor looking and saw this cute little pup begging for attention. He was the last one in the litter and looked at me with “please take me home” eyes. I took him home and we’ve been joined at the hip since then.
Kirby is active, he hikes, we run and we do agility drills together. He protects me and my house. I believe the bond between a pet owner and pet is valuable, they aren’t on this Earth long. I try to make sure we are having the best experiences daily. I love my dog!