By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

I love my two mutts. The pair of them couldn’t be any different. One likes to snuggle on top of my feet and into the nooks of my legs when I’m curled up on the couch, no matter how dang hot it is outside. The other protectively stands in front of me when a strange noise interrupts her daily naps.

If only we could strap a magic hat atop their heads to find out what our pets are really thinking. The life of a dog must be ruff.

Silly humans, constantly working and missing out on all the free snoozes the day offers. I take so many a day I lose count! Well… in between causing trouble and waiting for mommy or daddy to come home. 

 My most favorite time of the day is when I can hear your footsteps walking up to the front door. I get so excited I run in circles! I pounce on the door so you’ll hurry up and give me pets. It’s hard work holding down the fort all day. 

Sometimes I accidentally get into the trash can. How do I know you didn’t mistakenly throw out one of my Beggin’ Strips? All those smells! It dares me to knock it over and search to the bottom of its dark mysterious cave! 

What’s the deal with not being allowed on the furniture? I don’t care you bought me that fluffy bed on the floor, the couch is so much better! And I have a confession, I secretly slip up on the cushions. I think you’re on to me though, stupid shedding. 

Can you really blame me for wanting to know what’s on your plate? My nose is 10 thousand times more sensitive than your own. The plate of pizza smells like a dog treat on steroids! Oh, and don’t worry, I won’t tell Dad you sneak me scraps of dinner when he isn’t looking. I can keep a secret, swear! 

Listen, I bark because your safety is at risk! Those butterflies get super close to the window and how do you know the mailman isn’t trying to spy on us? He’s a sneaky human, I think he’s part cat. 

The pillow had it coming, but I didn’t do it. It was conspiring with the mailman. 

I get such a kick out of watching you chase me around the house before my bath. I’m one step ahead of you because I know which bottle under the sink is for me, jokes one you! 

Revenge is a dish best served covered in mud. You’ve been warned.

Your pets are the only creatures whose sole purpose in life is to love you and only you. If you’re grumpy they deal with you, if you’re upset they comfort you, and if you’re in need of company you don’t have to look long to find it.

Here at Red Cross DFW, we LOVE our mutts and all pets for that matter. In fact, our chapter began Piper the Puppy for just that reason! Every day, a family loses their precious belongings when flames consume their home. The family looks for answers. Where will we stay tonight? How will we recover? Who can understand what we are going through? These questions can be tough, especially for children. In our area though, children have a friend to turn to—Piper the Puppy.

For a donation of $100, you can adopt a Piper the Puppy and know that your gift will bring comfort to a scared child looking for answers after a fire or other disaster. When we arrive on-scene and see a child, we immediately place Piper in their arms. Our attention can then turn to meeting the needs of the whole family knowing that Piper is watching out for the littlest victims.

We also have a Pet First Aid app, available in your app store. This app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. Get the app, and be prepared to act when called upon. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know Pet First Aid.

In honor of National Mutt Day, share your photos with us on Twitter, Facebook or in the comments! Why do you love your fur-babies so much?