Love a Dog Live a Better LIfe

We are preparing ourselves for the imminent arrival of our new mastiff puppy. I am nervous and excited and realized yesterday it has been over 15 years since I have had a puppy. I dreamt about my dad this morning and saw his "puppy" Packets in the dream. My father was rarely strict about anything, but he sure had the puppy on a schedule. One day I went over to play with Packets and my father told me it was the "baby's" nap time and he was not to be disturbed. The love my father had for that dog was tangible and could make him smile at the mention of the dog's name.

Perhaps my father felt relief when he met District Judge Cook who married Rick and me. After a wonderfully personal marriage ceremony by the JP, we all left the court room......except I found myself looking for my dad. Upon going back into the room, I found the two men talking quietly to each other. With a hearty laugh, my father turned to me and we left the room together. I asked him what they had been talking about when I came into the room.

"Art Cook told me that all my dogs would be waiting for me when I get there." It only took me a second to realize he was talking about when he would no longer be here either. I felt a chill and then happiness because my dad looked so relieved. What prompted the conversation, I will never know but I do know my father believed it to be true.

I have had so many dogs and each has been a wonderful addition and individual in my life. My philosophy is to surr0und them with love and to treat them as a cherished member of the family. Someone told me once that dogs are only around for a short time because it does not take them very long to get everything right. Doesn't say too much about us stupid humans and yet I will always believe that to Love a Dog is to Live a Better Life.