A good example of man’s best friend
We have recently had a very sad thing happen in our family. Close family members had to put their little dog to sleep because he was old, tired and very sick. If you’ve ever had to do this, it’s not only very sad, but also the kindest thing you can do for your most loved pet … you know what I mean. It’s as though the pet was a member of the family. Many of our pets have been elevated to human status by their owners.
The last of our own dogs has been gone for many years, but we still talk about her and miss the fact that she was always there to greet us when we came home. Because our family is going to miss their little dog, it has made me think about the advantages of having a pet in your life. You know it has been said that everyone thinks they have the best dog and none of them are wrong.
Here are some quotes from family dogs with a real attitude, to visitors in their homes:
“To you we are dogs; to them we are babies.”
“If you don’t like dog hair, stay off the couch.”
“They like us more than most humans.”
“They love us; they are only friends with you.”
“We live here; you are only the guest.”
“You will be sniffed and possibly licked – deal with it.”
Dogs will follow some owners all around the house. It can be exhausting to watch. If the dog really talked, it might sound like this:
Dog – “What’s doing?” Me – “Nothing. I just stood up.”
Dog – “Where are you going?” Me – “I’m not even leaving the room.”
Dog – “Can I come?” Me – “Sure, but I’m literally just …”
Dog – “Can I come, too?” Me – “I need to open this little door.”
Dog, “Can I help?” Me – “Yes, but you’re in front of the door, so please move.”
Dog – “Where are we going?” Me – “I’m going right back to the exact place I was sitting a second ago.”
Dog – “Can I come?” Me – “Sure.”
Naming a dog can be interesting. One couple’s conversation went like this:
Wife – “Absolutely, not.” Husband – “It’s a good name.”
Wife – “We are not calling our puppy Sarah Jessica Barker, so keep thinking.” Husband – “It’s a good name.” Wife – “I said no.”
Husband after a few minutes – “How about Woffie Goldberg?” Wife – no reply!
This poem is for all those who have loved a dog:
“I was just a pup when we first met. I loved you from the start and you picked me up and took me home and placed me in your heart.
“Good times we had together. We shared all life could throw. But years passed on too quickly. My time has come to go.
“I know how much you miss me. I know your heart is sore. I see the tears that fall when I’m not waiting at the door.
“You always did your best for me. Your love was plain to see. For even though it broke your heart you set my spirit free.
“So please be brave without me. One day we’ll meet once more. For when you’re called to Heaven, I’ll be waiting at the door.” By the family dog.
Dogs are sure they own the house. They would like to say to their owners – ”Don’t come home smelling of other dogs. You must feed me every goody you eat. Don’t call me or lead me to a bath. Let me outside even though I just came in because there was an area I forgot to sniff. I can sleep anywhere I choose, even if it means you trip over me. Don’t move me while sleeping sideways in the middle of the bed, you have enough room on the edge.”
And again, there is this: “Don’t think you can leave the room without me.”
And finally, “Anything that lands on the floor is mine.”
There are wonderful advantages to having a dog in your home. They are great sources of laughter and love and thus we have this:
Kindly, the Father said to him, “I’ve left you to the end. I’ve turned my own name around and have called you Dog, my friend.”
(Melanie Behrens –
melb@marysvillejt.com)