Excerpts from a Dog's Diary.

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!




Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary.

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again throw up on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell. He is safe for now!

Luke's Best Friend

Lukes Best Friend

As I've mentioned before, our cat is Luke's best friend. They spend the day together.

She adores him, and vice versa.

Here she is, keeping an eye on things from the balcony.

This was a Tough Day

This was a Tough Day

We had a follow up visit today with the Veternary Surgeon that originally repaired Luke's damaged ACL, and the news was not what we wanted to hear. Our surgeon advised that the earlier procedure had failed and Luke must have additional surgery.

I learned today that the procedure to repair a torn ACL involves resecuring the tendon ends with a filament type line that is double clamped to hold it tight. The filament resembles the kind of high test line used in deep sea fishing. It sounds primitive, but this is how it's done.

The photo above was taken after Luke's first surgery. According to our Vet, the upcoming procedure won't be as invasive and will not require as long of an incision.

I think about the little aches and pains I complain about daily, and then I realize the discomfort this poor animal has endured. Inspite of this, he wags that tail and is always ready to play.

I need to keep this in mind next time I catch myself whining about something.

Can Dogs Smile?

Can Dogs Smile?

Sure they can. Dogs show happiness through a number of ways. A wagging tail. Playful energy. An open mouth and bright eyes. These are just a few of the ways to know you have a happy animal.

Ever had a Prayer Answered?

If you've read any of this blog, you can't help but realize how much this dog means to me. Luke came into my life from two good friends when he was about 7 years old. I instantly felt a bond with this animal that words can't describe. And while I've loved every animal that God has blessed me with, my old "Lukey Boy" is truly something special.

As Luke and I get older and our hair gets whiter, I can't help but think about how to make the most of the remaining years we have together. None of us know just how long we'll be on earth, but it's likely that Luke will get to heaven before I do. Sometimes when it's just the two of us, I'll tell him "Luke, just promise me you'll live one day longer than I do."

I've often wondered about Luke's younger years, and wished I could have known him as a puppy.

I guess God heard my thoughts.

Out of the blue, Luke's former owner came to see me recently and asked me if I'd like to have several old VHS tapes that he'd saved from 1997 when Luke was 1 year old. These tapes were taken of Luke when he was a puppy, and you can literally see him learning, growing and getting bigger as you watch each tape. Lukes loving characteristics and his "desire to please" are clearly evident in these decade old tapes.

For me, watching these tapes is like being able to step back in time.

It's like having my prayers answered.

Goin' for a ride

Time for a Ride

Me and my main man have been falling behind on our riding time. It's harder for Luke to get in and out of my SUV, and harder for me to pick him up and lift him in. Once he's in though, riding around with the window down and his head out the window is one of his favorite activities. He especially gets excited when people in other cars talk and wave to him, and tell him how beautiful he is.

Animal Shelter

God Bless the good people that volunteer their time to the Animal Shelter here in my area. They spend their days at the entrance to our local mall, with several dogs that need a home. The dogs are kept in individual cages and they look so pitiful. They are starved for attention and human contact.

I'm sure that there are legitimate cases where emergencies arise in which people can no longer keep their pet. On the other hand, I'm told that there are many cases where people simply "turn in" their dogs to the animal shelter, because they can't be inconvenienced to care for them any longer.

That's hard to imagine.