God made a Dog (He certainly did).

 

I love this video. 

TAKE JOY IN OLD DOGS

Their joys are simple.  A soft bed.  A scrap fallen from the table that the younger dogs missed. The memory of a treed squirrel.  A stormless night.

White whiskered faces and legs crooked as question marks.

Old Dogs…their sweet Buddha bellies hang over crossed legs as they fall asleep in a coveted patch of sun.  Dreaming of out-racing their shadows down long, shady lanes.

Once they danced by your side.  The very definition of joy unleashed.  A perfect poem caught in shining eyes and wagging tails.  They have followed you faithfully for years. And would plunge into fires, untamed wildernesses, raging waters if you asked.

Now, they struggle to catch up.  Their pace slow but their hearts still valiant.

Their cloudy eyes are starting to dim and go distant, tuning in to some invisible world.  Just beyond your reach.

Don’t go you say, as you scratch the tender part between their ears.  Stay longer.  I can’t imagine a world without your fur pressed close to my cheek.  There are still so many roads we haven’t explored.

And they look up at you with a wisdom that just slays you.

Their backs are bent, not from the weight of years, but from the invisible wings they are growing

That will soon take them to a place where once more they are warriors of speed

Drunk with the sights and scents of a thousand meadows.

Able to leap high enough to touch the wing of the tiniest butterfly.

         A place where they will now wait for you to catch up.

A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes.

Status symbol means nothing to him.   A waterlogged stick will do just fine.

A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside.

A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull.

Give him your heart and he will give you his.



Happy Birthday, my friend.   You're missed.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Buddy. 

You would be 15 years old today. 

Wish you were here so we could celebrate your birthday in our usual fashion ... playing fetch the tennis ball until my arm fell off!

Ace and I will come down to the bench to visit with you later today. 

Have a Happy Birthday my old friend.     

     

Merry Christmas Luke

 

Merry Christmas 2011 Luke

I was given a framed print of the photo above as a Christmas gift.  The print includes a biblical scripture and the words "Sleep In Peace".

I miss you Luke.  Sleep in Peace my friend.     

Happy Birthday Luke

Happy Birthday old Boy!  You would have been 14 years old this week!

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about you my friend. 

I love you Luke.

The most compassionate Dr. of Veterinary Medicine I know did Luke and me the honor of coming to our home this afternoon.   He's retired, but he didn't hesitate a moment when I called to asked him if he would help me.

Luke was put to sleep today at my home, and in my arms.  He fell asleep quietly, and passed away peacefully.  The last thing I told him as he drifted off was that I loved him more than anything, and to wait for me in Heaven, because he would be the first person I would come looking for when I got there.

I prepared a spot in our yard for Luke.  After many tears, I finished laying him to rest earlier this afternoon.  I've asked Luke many times to please just live one day longer than me, - but I guess it wasn't supposed to work out that way.

A little while ago, a delivery person arrived with a beautiful arrangement of flowers.  The card was unsigned.  As he handed me the arrangement he pointed out that it had a brand new tennis ball in the center.  He looked confused and asked me if it was supposed to be that way.  I smiled and told him it was, and I knew immediately the arrangement was from Luke's previous owner.

Luke, - Rest In Peace, my loyal friend and wonderful companion.  I love you and I'll see you again one day.

"LUKE"
March 8, 1997 - June 25, 2010