What follows is the third, and final, part of my “dog stuff.” When I first started writing my blog I said that not everything I shared would be original, some things, yes; some, not. The two pieces this time are in the second category but they are both favorites of mine. If you’ve seen them before - enjoy revisiting them again with me. Most people agree that dogs, like children, must have rules, and boundries, even if those rules evolve. So here are Rules For Dogs:
The dog is not allowed in the house.
Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.
The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.
The dog can get on the old furniture only.
Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.
Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.
The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only.
The dog can sleep under the covers every night.
Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog.
If you are a dog person, you’ve suffered the pain that losing a dog brings. This puts it in perspective I think:
A vet had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. The vet examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. He told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As they made arrangements, the owners told him they thought it would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.
The next day, the vet felt the familiar catch in his throat as Belker's family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that the vet wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
They sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."
Startled, they all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned them. Perhaps there was never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year- old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.”
If you ever have a friend who is going through this kind of loss, you might consider sharing this with them.
As I was preparing this blog I thought about the dogs who have been in my life and made a list. From childhood till now, some shared with my wife, there have been twelve dogs - and I remember them all. I’d love to hear from readers of this blog telling me how many dogs you have had, including any you have now. Just send an email with the number in the subject line. Thanks in advance for indulging me.
