I have only one complaint about dogs. They don’t live as long as we do, so as much as we love them, they make us grieve over and over again, sometimes for too long.
On the other hand, this is a gift. We get to love more than one dog, and when a dog dies, we can value another one just as much. All in all, I would instead love a dog than mourn a dog. It’s a better use of my time and suitable for dogs. I feel sorry for the people who say they miss their dogs so much they will never get another one.
To me, that is not dog love but self-love.
Fate is an incredibly loving dog, and it turns out to be the perfect dog for Maria – not clingy or aggressive, respectful of fabric, and up for a visit to the pasture or a walk in the woods any time day or night. She also loves to be loved, and Maria has plenty of love.
I have been blessed to have had a string of extraordinary dogs, from Orson to Rose to Izzy and Red and now, Zinnia, among others.
It is a precious gift to love a dog, I often give thanks for it, and wonderful to feel that love returned. Animals teach us many things; one of them is being a better and more merciful human. Thomas Aquinas said that the real purpose of dogs and other animals was to teach us mercy and compassion.
I think every day how the world would be different if dogs were permitted to roam the halls of Congress.
Exactly what I think about dogs….because you were so loving and lovable, I desire to have that in my life again and so I am open to a relationship with another animal. Thank you John, you inspired a walk through my history with animals and some wonderful memories.
I cannot imagine life without at least one (preferably 2) dogs. We always had big dogs until we rescued our first miniature poodle. What a sweet, smart, loving dog. We became a READ team (Reading Education Assistance Dog), going into school where children who were struggling with reading would spent time reading aloud to Sofie. Now we have a 5 1/2 pound toy poodle and a 17 pound Australian Labradoodle. What joy!
“I think every day how the world would be different if dogs were permitted to roam the halls of Congress.”
That would make better dogs of them all.
(In the 1950s, there was a dog statue at Fort Benning, GA memoralizing “Champion” who “made better dogs of us all.” )
Not only dogs, but also cats or other animals. We humans need animals to realize what trust and good being is.
Fate and Maria is my most favorite Bedlam Farm photo.
Oh,how , “Lovenly “!
We’ve received a December Valentine.