A few of you fellows have recently lost your dogs, your best friend. I know the pain of loosing that special dog all too well and with the exception some service with "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children" back in '68-'69 I've always had a dog at my side, mostly multiple dogs, as many as the house and property could stand at a time. I love em!..I love em all!
Well, some of these dogs came into my life unexpectedly and suddenly, one I took from an abusive owner, a criminal awaiting sentencing. Some we've taken in from people who got a dog and later decided it was too much trouble for them. A few we've rescued from shelters, but many more were before the former owners had to go that far. Our door has always been open for a dog in need, and those are the ones who most likely out to be special dogs to us. We have three right now we've taken in from people to share their lives with us, and they are just as special as any dog we've ever paid for. Funny how they just show up at times, and God has been good and wise to us, never giving us more than we can support, but opening our door at the right time for another. A few that have shown up here were simply lost, and each one no matter how long it took, were reunited with their families. The longest took five days, (no tag, but we finally found his people) and boy oh boy were they ever happy to get their best friend back! Once we found them and called them, they dropped everything and rushed to our house, they had feared the worst by then and what a reunion it was! One, a poor old skinny Black Lab showed up one day, hungry and in need of water. He was invited to stay, but had places to go I guess. He ate and drank, then rushed out the door and on his way to where-ever he was headed. Maybe that's all he needed.
Yeah, it tears the heart when they leave, but you must never say, "I'll never have another dog." for whatever reason, respect for the one who departed, knowing another dog will someday tear your heart again also, you think you're too old for another dog... There's plenty of dogs out there who need YOU...and you'll find you need them just as much. "Lady", the dog I took from the abusive owner some 14 years ago walks silently and respectfully at my side every November when I remove the flags from comrade's graves. No special training was needed, she just does it, like she knows. If it weren't for her, I don't know as I could do it anymore without the aide of Lady. I know she's soon to leave me and there'll never be another one like her, but that's what makes her special. I can't replace her with one just like her, I don't want to. Another dog will shine his/her own special nature and leave me with the memory of Lady. I believe I'm in the company of good men, (and a few ladies) here, share your dog, you would be amazed at the smiles you'll get and the new friends you'll make. Once in a while we take one to the local nursing home, the old folks especially need a dog once in a while. Just provide proof of shots and the home welcomes them. I've heard a lot of life's stories over a dog.
You guys who've recently lost your special best friend, I know you can't replace that, you hold that dog and memory close to your heart, but you'll be amazed how special another dog can be if you let them. You'll find out how much you need them as much as they need you. Take your time grieving for your departed pal, when the time is right, one will enter your life and brighten it in a way you didn't think possible again.