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A cavalcade of canine companions and their owners gathered at Pelham City Park on Sunday, April 13 for Paws in the Park, an annual event from Pelham Parks and Recreation that is catered to all things dog.

This unique event is a reminder of the power of having a pet. With hundreds of people in attendance and dozens of dogs, the event was not only a celebration of community and good weather, but it was a special time to celebrate the animals in our lives.

Every dog at Paws in the Park was unique. Not only in breed and color, but also behavior. What kind of food they ate. How they reacted to certain situations. All of it a unique testament to the mighty love our canines can provide.

Shelby County is better for entities like Pelham Parks and Recreation, simply because setting time to aside to care for and be with a pet is life-giving and never wasted time.

Dogs, cats, birds and every pet in between: all of them give love away freely. We of course play a part in taking care of them and maintaining their health, but it is rarely a relationship built on a quid pro quo or reciprocity. Our pets love us freely from the moment we meet them, until the day that we lose them.

The cost of owning a pet is that, in most cases, we always outlive them. But, the gift of having one far outweighs the cost. Pets are there to celebrate every joy and wipe away every tear. They are the best of us, and events like Paws in the Park are the perfect way to celebrate them.

So, take the time to spend time with your pet. Whether that’s throwing them a tennis ball or giving them a rare treat, live life like your pet would: freely give love away. We are thankful for events like Paws in the Park, and hope that Shelby County will continue to celebrate its pets.