Why do we love dogs?

“Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed
   Beauty without Vanity,
     Strength without Insolence,
       Courage without Ferocity, and
         all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. 

This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.”
 
  ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog

No matter how ugly or messy or grumpy or tired I am I have a friend who would stay right on my feet every day of the year if she had that choice.

Her name is Roxy!

For me a dog is the best communicator and a great therapist. We rarely need to speak and we can communicate with eye contact and touching. I never doubt her motive, I never question her honesty, I am not manipulated or fooled… she is a loyal and devoted friend. She has no expectations and is grateful for every scrap of fondness.

Roxy is now almost 7 months old. Time for her training and social classes are due but she already knows sit, and trust, and she LOVES to see her park/walk friends when we are out for a constitutional.

Pets really are special but I have had a dog for my whole life and I loved each and every one of them:
– Toby, Black Lab
– Jessie, Mutt (seeminly Border Collie and a curly-hair breed)
  (who uncannily resembled Roxy)
– Parker, Beagle
– Clancy, Samoyed
– Roxy, Mutt (Australian Shepherd x Golden Retreiver)

And if you are wondering how the boys feel about the puppy… you can likely imagine a heap of bodies on the family room floor – full of giggles and “ewww, she kissed me on the mouth” and her tail sticking out, and then scrambling boys attempting to escape her affection.

Dogs and kids are a nice pair…
                                                                       …sorta



Thank you Aunt Arlene for sharing this cartoon. Credits to the original artist.


Be well,

Jen