A Heartfelt THANK YOU- A little bit "Wordy" Wednesday

There are a lot of contests out there that many of us enter that offer prizes such as money, pet supplies and blog "notoriety", just to name a few. I recently entered a contest that for me, was probably the most emotionally rewarding of any contest that I have entered thus far.

My friend Ann Paws who is the author  of one of my favorite new blogs:

Click here to visit!

 had a contest where we had to submit a photo of what our PETS are thankful for.

For me, this was a no-brainer. My "boyz" are MOST thankful for EACH OTHER. This photo was my entry:

Cody and Dakota have a most unique relationship. I couldn't be more blessed, nor could THEY!

They are playmates, partners in crime and conspiracy, companions when my husband and I aren't home,  they visibly worry when one of them is gone from our home even if it is just for an hour or two.  At night, by choice, they  sleep in close proximity of each other. My vet often tells me how he marvels at the intensity of their bond. Don't tell them that cats and dogs aren't supposed to get along. They exhibit care and concern for each other that many of us could learn from. All of this, and my method of "introducing" them  completely defied "conventional" blogging and textbook guidelines. I listened to my heart, which rarely steers me wrong.

There were 3 winners of this contest and my photo of Dakota and Cody was the GRAND PRIZE WINNER! I am honored and elated that my photo won the contest! What thrilled me the most was that the "judge" of this contest was Anns'  8 year old daughter, Lily:

Photo courtesy of:
http://mypawsitivelypets.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-photo-contest-winner.html

What was special to me,  was this was TRULY a "fair and unbiased" judge who not only didn't know any of the entrants, she just loves animals! There was no "hidden agenda" here! You know what they say, "out of the mouths of babes." Lily said that my photo was  "adorable."

You can't fool a child. Children are often our harshest critics. They respond on an emotional level,  a child can sense dishonesty and those with less than stellar intentions a mile away. Ironically, our pets also have this ability. Want to know if a person is GENUINE? Introduce them to your children or your pets.

Being the winner of the "GRAND PRIZE" for this contest didn't bring money, or pet toys or supplies or even a shiny statuette. The prize is THIS lovely badge that I am displaying with enormous pride:

this is PRIZE ENOUGH for me! I don't have mad photography skills,  or the latest camera loaded with bells and whistles. What I DO have are a dog and a cat whose affection for each other lit up that photo and made my message clear.

My "prize" was my work touching the heart of a child. To me, that is the GREATEST gift of all, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving....I THANK YOU LILY from the bottom of my heart.