Elizabeth Spence and her husband have two dogs, three cats, and three children.
“At any time of day you’re likely to find a pile of kids, cats and/or dogs lying about the house somewhere,” Elizabeth told The Dodo.
All the animals are rescue pets and had a tough start in life before being saved by the Spence family. The family has become a new safe environment for them – and their 11-month-old son Archie has played a particular role in furthering that.
Elizabeth and her husband have had a hard time saying no to any animal that needs a home. 8-year-old English pointer Nora came to the family as a terrified, reclusive dog, who dared not approach anyone.
Except son Archie.
“Archie is an extremely laid-back, happy, good-natured baby and all the animals seem to really respond to that, particularly Nora,” Elizabeth said. “She came from an abusive background and is afraid of almost everything. Not Archie, though.”
The two friends do everything together and Nora follows Archie everywhere he goes. She plays patiently with him every day.
There is something about Archie that helps Nora feel safe.
When it’s Archie’s bathtime, Nora joins him from the bathroom rug, waiting for him to finish. If Archie is being naughty and throwing things around, Nora cheers her little partner in crime on.
Their favorite spot is the playroom where they can stare out of the window together, or play with Archie’s toys.
The nap together every day.
They never tire of each other.
Older siblings Wellington and Loretta also love the family dogs and often play with them. The parents have taught them to respect animals, right from the time they were babies. This is no doubt what also allows the animals to trust them whole-heartedly.
The family cats also like to come along and play sometimes.
I was so moved by this family’s great friendship with their rescue pets. Although the animals come from a troubled background, they have learned to channel trust and love again, thanks to Archie and his siblings.
All animals deserve a loving home like the Spences’s! Please share if you agree.
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