Today
How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?
by Yvonne DiVita
Posted July 27, 2006 11:39 AM
Posted July 27, 2006 11:39 AM
Posted in
Ain't it the Truth - I was sent all this great content about my favorite cuddly creatures - DOGS - and thought I'd share. I know, not everyone is a dog lover. Lots of people think dogs are messy, dirty, and smelly. But so is Uncle Harry and we still let him in the house!
Here are some thoughts from me - for what they're worth: dogs are forgiving, non-critical, faithful, and attentive. They are a good replacement for kids - and I recommend folks try out a dog before having kids. Dogs might require some work - a walk every day, a tickle behind the ear, and some minor grooming, but that's a small price to pay for their devoted affection. Obviously, from these quotes, I'm in good company when I praise dogs. Our dog, Carmel, can be a pain in the **ss, because she has this quirky habit of chewing her own leg. But, the joy on her face when we get the lease out makes me feel like the most powerful human on earth. That a simple thing like a walk around the neighborhood - we say we're taking the dog blogging - can give a creature so much excitement and happiness is proof positive that I am, indeed, a truly powerful woman! I hold the whole world in my hand - when I walk the dog!
Read on and see if you agree...
The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.-Anonymous
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.-Ann Landers (oops... too late!)
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.-Will Rogers
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.-Ben Williams (just ask Snoopy!)
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.-Josh Billings
The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.-Andy Rooney
Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.-Sigmund Freud
I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult.-Rita Rudner (my apologies to poodle people...but, really now, must you embarrass the poor things by foofing them up so?)
A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.-Robert Benchley
Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.-Franklin P. Jones
If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.-James Thurber
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.-Unknown (Hey - my dog is not fat! She's just big-boned!)
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money.-Joe Weinstein
Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul -- chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!-Anne Tyler
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.-Mark Twain
You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, 'Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!'- Dave Barry
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.-Roger Caras
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.-Phil Pastoret
And many more...Let's hear some of yours.
Comments (15)
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Posted August 3, 2006 7:42 PM
What a wonderful collection of truth sayings about our animals. I will definately revisit and read when I can read without crying and having my heart break open again.
I have two dogs-who are my children. I would leap the Grand Canyon for them. I would do anything.
Three weeks ago my beloved Jasmine (boxer-8.5 years) was diagnosed with inoperable tumor on her cerebral spinal cord. She was having problems "placing her left foot", it would be bent under at the "ankle" instead of pads touching floor. She was kinda wobbly too. So I took her to a neurologist and she had an MRI to reach the diagnose. Since then it's been an emotional roller coaster ride. Good days, bad days. My normal life has now been replaced with a new normal life -- of caregiver to my best friend. She is on high dosage of prednisone right now to try to reduce the inflammation of the tumor, to relieve symptoms. Danger level to be on for very long and it also makes her really hungry and really thirsty. We are living day by day -- not knowing when the day will come when I will have to make the decision to let her go. For the most part, I try to hold the intention that she is going to be a miracle and the tumor will shrink and allow her to have a longer life than what she might have now. I started my personal blog about two months ago -- the intention being to write about creativity, spirit, soul and inspiration. The funny thing is that I am now using the blog to keep everyone up to date about her progress and as a wonderful outlet for enabling me to write about her.
Anyhow -- thank you for gathering these wonderful thoughts about our precious animals.
Posted July 27, 2006 8:14 PM
We are dog people, but not to the point of putting them on a par w/humans. But pets add so much good to our lives. Sometimes someone says, almost w/pride, I'm not a pet person. Too bad, you are missing a lot. I rescued our current yellow-lab-mix with the onset of my husband's Alzheimer's. I thought a dog would give him a focus, something to care for, and it worked. I also knew that, in time, I would probably be alone and 'Sophie' would be the bridge between us, and that worked, too. She appears prominently in my book about Alzheimer's, even her photo is on the back cover along with the rest of the family. She's 11 now, we are growing old together, peers in dog years.
As a small child I was attacked by a dog and growing up I was really frightened of them, but as I matured, I knew I really like them and worked hard to overcome those fears. I'm so glad I did. True, you never know when a dog of any size may attack, but then that can also be said of people. They go off their rocker every day, kill and harm others far more than dogs do.
www.geocities.com/caregiving4alz
Posted July 27, 2006 7:36 PM
I was just kidding, Frank! At least most days! Actually I had been on Jed Diamond's blog and I have to admit it really saddened my heart to read of all the unhappy marriages. I have been accused many a time of being a Pollyanna but it works for me. I have been advised many a time to leave my husband, even by therapists. We are still together after more than 20 years and it has been the catalyst for more personal growth than I could ever have imagined. And worth every minute of it! Of course I will retain custody of the dog in any case!
Posted July 27, 2006 6:52 PM
Kathleen, first of all "OUCH" to your last line. I agree about perspective, however as a retired telephone guy I've had many near misses with nasty dogs including a toy poodle that thought it was a rotteiler. The big ones can do more damage in my opinion although there are many very good natured, lovable big dogs. Lastly, even though my don't doesn't argue with me I'd still miss my wife more. Most of the time.
Posted July 27, 2006 6:09 PM
I'm a "Cat person" but I love dogs, too.
I remember my 2 dogs, collie and Hungarian kuwasz, they died at age 14 and 12. I had good time with them. And they hurt me only once- when they leave me forever... I hope they are resting in peace. I think it's the most painfull day for every pet's owner. I'm a veterinarian, and I understand that no one can overcome nature and death despite of all efforts; sometimes only miracle can help, but I still cannot get used to death, even if it was old age, terminal illness or fatal injury. Some friends told me that I should quit job, because I'm too sensitive or just to change my attitude and don't take it too personal. But if someone don't feel animal's suffering as his own he has no right to be veterinarian! It's very sad when it's impossible to save life because it's too late, that animal's owner didn't take some signs too seriously. So, people, be nice and attentive to your animal friends! They cannot talk and consult the doctor! Their life and happiness depends on you! Please, show your Love to them while they are with you! Don't deprive them of your love, care and attention, no matter how busy you are. Untill it's not too late. You will feel regret to the rest of your life, but it'll not bring them back...
Posted August 1, 2006 10:03 PM
Joan, thank you for your kind words. We lost her thirteen years ago and we went on to have another child, also a daughter. As bad as it was I think losing an older child has got to be worse. Joan, I understood what your original question was I just was trying to compare the ending of a life we care about whether it is human or animal. I also think what makes a life so valuable is the importance we place on it. I've often thought about the abortion debate and how precious an unborn life is to those who want desperately to have a child while on the other hand the unwanted unborn is of much value simply because of the circumstances. At the time my wife and I were dealing with our loss I did my best to make sense of things and console her. I told her we were not to blame and we could either let this sad event ruin us or we could move past it. Although we have our battles there is still a lot of love, so I guess life goes on if you let it. My Dad's name is Luke, and from what I've seen of other men he is a treasure.
Posted August 1, 2006 5:17 PM
Joan, I'd like to answer your question based on my own experiences. I posted elsewhere on these blogs that I lost a daughter to a genetic illness, she was four months old when I found out about her illness and one week shy of her first birthday when she passed away. I've put several small animals, birds, a cat or two, a rabbit and so on out or their misery after seeing them hit by a car and dying or mauled by another animal. I won't go into graphic details but it was much quicker than watching them suffering a slow and painful death. I've also had to take a couple of dogs to the vet to be put to sleep. The decision to end a life is a serious one for me but as much as I did not want my little girl to suffer I could not end her life at my own hands. My wife and I did sign a "do not resuccitate " order when the time was right. In more simple terms, speaking for myself although I have a fondness and affection for animals and pets I do have a higher regard for human life and there is a difference. I agree that there should be more humane ways to end human life when there is terminal ilness, chronic untreatable pain or repeated age related illness. My father is 87 and aside from his advanced age he is dying from a age related blood disorder. He is frail and weak and prone to bruising and infection, I don't want him to suffer and if there was a painless way to stop it I would be supportive, however he like many others wants to live. We must also be respectful of the wishes of those suffering when they choose to fight on. One last thought away from this subject, I've met a lot of lousy people but I still think people are more important than animals overall. I get mad when I hear of adults or children being hurt by another person's animal due to owner negligence. We have a tough enough time dealing with people who hurt people without adding animals to the mix. Please obey leash laws and try to have your animals be more social than agressive. Remember, they know and love you.
Posted August 1, 2006 4:15 PM
Betty, I have always adored my pets and treated them like they were my children. They believed they were. My little miniature pincer lived to be twenty, and my golden retriever lived to be eighteen. The two of them would sleep with me all night and in the morning my children would join us for a "coffee party". I now have a beautiful little cat. The downside of all this loving is when they live so long that they have to be put down. We do what's best for them, although it breaks our hearts, so why can't we do more for our suffering relatives when their time is near and they are in pain? Can't figure that one out.
Posted August 4, 2006 5:08 PM
Dear Benecia Beyer,
good luck for You and Your dog!
Miracles are happening sometimes, so fight untill there is hope and Your dog is not sufferind in pain. Give her a chance, so You'll know that You did everything possible for her.
In my thoughts I'm with You and Your dog!
Elena, Ukrainian veterinarian.
Posted August 1, 2006 2:17 PM
This exchange is so comforting. I have always been an animal lover. I did rethink my position once - when I was a veterinarian's assistant at the local Cat Doctor (there are several offices, now). Those big, mean cats are nothing to fool with! They are way worse than big, mean dogs.
Anyway, I didn't let that dampen my desire for cuddly, cute pets. I have a big dog and a big cat. Both are precious to me. They are part of the family. I do put them on part with humans. Of course, the kids come first - but, the pets are right behind. I would definitely run into a burning building to save them.
Posted August 1, 2006 10:12 PM
Luke, the physician in the bible. I'm sure he is wonderful and he will have my prayers. I once said when my first child was born that I couldn't imagine losing him. I remember saying that oh, maybe when he was older it would be different, but putting a little baby in the ground. That would be worse. Well, my boys are the precious jewels in the crown to me and they are adults now. How could I have thought that? At any age, the pain of losing a child is unbearable and it takes something from you that you can never retrieve. You and your wife have stayed together and weathered the storm. You have much history. It is very valuable in a relationship. That history can erase some of the hurts that we afflict on each other, and especially that you have your remaining children to share and be so thankful for. Be happy and be well.
Posted July 27, 2006 3:43 PM
Frank, Isn't perspective a funny thing? My daughter also talked us into a dog three years ago. He is a big dog, a Weimaraner and when I started taking him to the dog park, I was very nervous around the large dogs too. But they turned out to be big pussy cats and the little dogs were the ones I had to worry about! Every time my dog sees one of the little ones, he runs between my legs! Rockne sleeps with me and I still get up every night around 2 to take him out. He has me trained well! I couldn't imagine life with a dog, three kids and a husband who works out of our home. Now I can't imagine life without him! The dog that is!
Posted July 27, 2006 3:27 PM
Six years ago our daughter talked us into getting a dog and although he is a responsibility and work, he is also a comfort and joy. He is a bichon but looks like a big maltese and he also chews his leg and bites his nails. He loves to snuggle and be held and it is very comforting at times, especially if I have a stomach ache. He is like a furry hot water bottle. I like that he is little and not a danger to anyone, I get upset when owners of large dogs let them wander off leash. We should remember that while dogs can be lovable they can also be dangerous at times. Please be good to your dog and considerate of people.
Posted July 30, 2006 1:45 AM
I am very grateful for my two dogs and best friends, Shade and Whisper. It's just the 3 of us now. My girls have shown me true faithfullness and loyalty. (Unless you come to visit with treats in your pockets.)
I am grateful to them for the way they devotedly laid at my husband's feet throughout his illness and last days.
Recently, I have discovered how these "animals" have taught me sensitivity and awareness to other living things with a depth and meaning I never imagined. They grieve and suffer longterm loss, abandonment and trauma from abuse like two-leggeds.They experience pure joy and celebration at the sight of loved ones.
You're right, Betty, some people put their dogs on par with humans. I put my companions on par with angels.
Posted August 1, 2006 6:50 PM
Frank, I am so sorry for your loss and the terrible grief that you and your wife have suffered. I would never equate my pets with your beautiful angel in heaven. What I meant was people who want to die, who are ready, such as hospice-ready. Your father has not reached that point and for that reason he should be helped as much as possible. Please tell me his name and I will put him on my prayer list. My husband lost a little boy and I know how the grief must be. My best friend lost her granddaughter to cancer, age 7, two years ago. Her family did everything they could to save her. Every case is individual.
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