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I really did not want another dog. Having been through the
entire canine life cycle twice before, I was conscious of
how painful it becomes toward the end. But a few years
before my heart attack, Faye, my wife, raises the topic
repeatedly over several months.
My
position is clear: ???It??™s a 15-year commitment and we??™re
already well into our 50??™s. It??™s a lot of work. It will
limit our freedom to travel.??? And so on. Powerful,
sensible arguments, impossible to refute by any logical
reasoning.
Finally she asks, ???Are you telling me I can??™t have a dog????
???No, of course not,??? I reply, ???but it will be your dog. You
will be the one to train it and look after it. When it??™s
extremely cold outside, it will be your responsibility to
take it out.??? Etcetera, etcetera.
A
few weeks pass and Faye brings home a tiny, breathing bundle
of creamy, fluffy fur with two big brown eyes. I put him
over my shoulder and all my rational objections melt away.
This is the cutest little puppy I have ever seen. Seven
weeks old. Later we read this is the age they begin to
???bond??? with their human guardians. Chambo and I soon
bonded.
He
is a cross between Cocker Spaniel and American Eskimo. His
name derives partly from his champagne color and partly from
our recognition that he will be a bundle of mischievous
energy.
A
few more weeks pass. Chambo is taking me for one of our
frequent walks, when we acknowledge our shared secret,
???You??™re my buddy, aren??™t you Chambo???? And he readily
agrees. But we do not tell Faye just yet. There is still
more tedious training to be looked after, and she must meet
at least some of her obligations.
A
few months pass and winter arrives. Can you possibly guess
who is taking Chambo outside in the cold? Someone who is
quite content with that role!
A
dog is always delighted to welcome you home; always happy to
take you for lots of walks. Makes you feel needed and
appreciated. Really good medicine. Helps warm your heart
and soul.
-----------------------------
Philip Jones
is a motivational speaker and author based in
Calgary, Canada. E-mail:
philip-jones@shaw.ca. This article is an extract
from his book, How to Fit a Heart Attack into Your Busy
Schedule! Humor, Wit and Wisdom For a Healthier Heart and a
Happier Life. Available at www.amazon.com, www.walmart.com
and
www.filbertpublishing.com/heart.htm
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Blessings to you today
Bob Johnston
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