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”Dogs are the nicest things that can happen
to people.”
Technically, dogs are known as carnivorous mammals,
but we prefer to call them delightful companions and pets. Dogs come
in assorted sizes, weights and colors; but they all have the same creed:
to adore, amaze, exasperate and enrich the lives of those humans lucky
enough to own them.
Dogs can be found most anywhere: curled upon,
exploring underneath, wriggling out of, racing to, digging at, peeking
around or hiding in. Their owners worship them. Some try to ignore
them. Because dogs bark, neighbors hate them.
A dog is innocence with a full roll of tissue
unraveled at its feet. He is obedience sleeping on a forbidden
bedspread, wisdom with a wagging tail, beauty with mud on his feet.
When you are busy, he wants to be let out. Once he’s out, he wants back
in. When you want to impress someone with his intelligence, he forgets
absolutely everything he has ever learned. When you want him to stay
groomed for the dog show tomorrow, he manages to find the only mud
puddle in the yard.
A dog has the digestive capabilities of the fabled
billy goat, the curiosity of a cat, the aggressiveness of a jealous
lover and the poise of a sphinx. He likes golf balls, upholstered
furniture, anything made of rawhide, warm beds, long walks, table
scraps, other dogs and paper of any variety. He does not care for the
obedience school, chain collars, leashes, baths, nail trimming, strange
surroundings, vaccinations, lack of companionship, cold weather or
thunder and lightning.
You can banish your dog to his pen, but you can’t
banish him from your heart. You may have bought him, but he owns you.
Your dog was supposed to be your pet, but he enslaves you. When you
return after an absence, short or prolonged, your dog will overwhelm you
with warm affection and squirming enthusiasm. Your dog can muss up your
home, your hair, and your dignity. He can cause you to spend money,
time and temper; and then, just when your patience is ready to crack, a
wag of his tail, and you’re lost again.
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Virginia Jones bred dogs for many years, and her
favorite breed is the beautiful German shepherd. Recently, Babe, the
last of the line of the original shepherd she got from Germany many,
many years ago, passed away. Virginia has written other articles about
the German shepherd. She is an avid animal lover. She lives in
Acworth, Georgia and welcomes comments from readers.
Vjpaws@bellsouth.net |
