'Furry kids' another of life's blessings

I read a study recently that touted the benefits of being a dog owner. Having two furry kids at home, it piqued my interest.

The study claimed that people who welcome canines into their homes have reduced blood pressure, an improved cardiovascular fitness, less stress in their lives and enjoy longer lifespans. Wow, sure beats going to the gym on a regular basis.

I never had a pet when I was growing up. It just wasn’t a part of the lifestyle that our family lived. So it really wasn’t a big deal at all to not have a dog, cat, lizard, rabbit, etc. roaming in our home for the 17 years before I left for college.

Fast-forward through several newspaper jobs in multiple states before settling in Las Vegas, Nevada, getting married in 1998 — which included the addition of two daughters as well — and then adding sons into the mix in 2000 and 2001.

During the summer of 2004, the family ventured into the world of pet ownership. We rescued a dog from a local shelter. In perfect Vegas style, we named him Ace.

Ace spent the next decade with us in Vegas before relocating with the Langrell posse to Nebraska. There, he was ultimately joined by a “brother from another mother” when we added a second dog into the mix. In sticking with the Vegas theme, Joker seemed like an appropriate name for our new guy.

Both Ace and Joker made the trek when we moved to New Mexico in November 2015. Sadly, both of them passed away in the span of a year — two dreadfully difficult times.

Ace died as a result of complications from old age as his systems simply started to shut down. Joker passed as a result of a tragic accident.

But we’re a resilient, dog-loving family. Shortly after Ace left us, we rescued a dog from the Clovis animal shelter. I’d give you a few guesses at his name, but I’ll save you all of the wrong “Sin City” references. Think the Mac Daddy hand in poker — yup, Royal joined Joker as part of our household.

After Joker’s accident, we adopted our first female dog. We drifted away from the Vegas moniker and named her Bailey. Truth: When we got her, we were told her name was Honey Boo Boo. She had come from a rough life and she didn’t respond to it at all — thank goodness.

Royal, Bailey and I have our routines. It starts with a trek out to the driveway for the morning paper. Before sunset, they’re off playing and running at the dog park at Hillcrest Park. They’re always there to greet me after a day at work as well, tails wagging and ready to give out kisses.

As other dog owners can attest, four-legged friends are more than just pets. Sure, we spoil ours — who doesn’t.

They’re a constant part of our daily lives. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Rob Langrell is the publisher of The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact him at: [email protected]