By T/Sgt. James Lee Hutchinson
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big. Scientific research shows that the wolf and dog family went their separate ways more than 100,000 years ago. However, it was about 80,000 years later before Dog accepted the title of “man’s best friend.” This was probably about the time the milk bone was invented! Evidently, Dog met some liberal caveman who convinced him to trade his freedom for free food, housing and social security. An ‘on the job training program’ was immediately created and Dog became a hunter, herder or watchdog according to his aptitude test. Dogs scoring too low ended up in the caveman’s stew pot. This practice has carried over down through the years and Dog is considered a delicacy in many countries today and I’m not talking about the hot dog. We must never tell this story to our spoiled and intelligent dogs of today, I doubt that they could handle the story of the trials and tribulations of their ancestors, nor should we talk of dog pounds, puppy mills nor mention euthanizing of millions of their kin. Today’s dog owners must strive to become dog’s best friend. Owners who enjoy the love and companionship of a loyal four-legged friend should realize the life-span of their pet and honor him by adopting another and by supporting their local Humane Society, rescue, adoption and neutering programs.
Dog owners know that all puppies have papers, newspapers that is, and toilet training has high priority. They are also cutting teeth and chewing is their main occupation as they gnaw on everything from shoes to furniture but the rewards are worth the destruction. Dogs provide companionship in return for a little kindness, care and food. The love and trust reflected in their eyes is seldom duplicated in humans. Dogs have the ability to adapt to situations and provide the gifts of love, obedience and sensing moods of humans. Millions of people from children to senior citizens have loved and shared the love of dogs and mourned them when they died.
Some say, Heaven is where you meet all dogs you ever loved.
A Dog’s Last Will and Testament
Before humans die, they write a will and give their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If I with my paws, could do the same, this is what I would ask:
To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home; my bowl and cozy bed, soft pillow and all my toys; the lap, which I love so much; the hand which stroked my fur; and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had in my human’s loving heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So, when I die, please do not say, “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.”
Instead, go find an unloved dog, one whose life has held no joy or hope, and give my place to him.
This is the only thing I can give ----- the love I left behind.
Author Unknown