(a quiet moment with Peanut in her bone sweater; she came from a breeder of Bichon-Shitzus)
(Pepper on right, came from another breeder, and was a very intelligent dog; Scamp, left, my dog from grade1 to grade 8 kept this only child company; he was an adopted mongrel who had some Corgi in him; he sits on stairs by a window where he could see people come in the yard or pass by on the sidewalk; I often joined him there to take in the sights)
********************************
Brings back a lot of memories of walking the family dog Pepper, a female miniature poodle for some 17 years of her 18 year-life. Dogs are great–they connect you with Nature and become family members for life–but they are a great responsibility, walking them every day, letting them out, taking them to the groomer and the vet monthly. (The saddest part is when they pass–their loss can be as moving as losing a human connection.)
Anyway, it all came back this morning, walking my son’s dog Peanut outside. Cold as it was, she loved it (as do all dogs)! There are so many smells and sights waiting to be taken in. Again, walks are something you have to do every day. My friends Ken and Melanie walk their latest dog Alfie about 3, sometimes 4 times a day. If they go on a trip, they have to board the dog (which is a forever dilemma for dog owners in this situation. It can be a traumatic experience for the dog to upset its routine and give a sense of abandonment.)
Nothing like owning a dog or having one in the house. Changes the atomosphere hugely and enhances it. They can be trained and their gratitude is obvious every time you let them out, walk them, feed them, play with them, or come home to them. Their unconditional love and loyalty often exceeds that between human beings. No, there’s nothing quite like a dog. Very rewarding and healthful, as doctors remind us by repeatedly reminding us how they bring down blood pressures. They have been proven to be very therapeutic when introduced into hospitals and old folks homes.