For the Love of Dog

In these times of serious uncertainty regarding the world due to the many threats facing us all, our very lives, and the USA (which is now under dismal leadership), my thoughts and emotions more and more turn to dogs. How wonderful they are, how our lives are made bearable by their dear, temporary presence.

For those of us who love them (and all animals as a result), all of the other, horribly unfortunate dogs’ (and all animals’) plights in this world are unbearably heartbreaking and soul crushing. Using words for it all seems meaningless…it goes so much deeper.

Another serious heartbreak comes with each and every one of our beloved dogs passing from this world. So sad and terrible a loss, so many memories, and it happens time and time again, since they only live about one-sixth as long as we do, and many of us have two or more dogs at a time. So in a modest tribute to dogs, who truly are a blessing, as opposed to so many people, I wanted to share a beautiful poem and some great photos. Hope you like them. (Photos are all courtesy of Pixabay.com)

This is for dog people of course, but for cat (or whichever) people, you only need to replace the word “dog” and I’m sure it hits home, also regarding any truly loved one.

Poem by Colleen Fitzsimmons
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
https://www.poemhunter.com/colleen-fitzsimmons/

The Loss Of A Heart-Dog

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you so softly as you brushed away a tear,

“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea.

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care.

I want to reassure you that I’m not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, “It’s me.”

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over now … I smile and watch you yawning,

And say, “Goodnight, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out — then come home to be with me.

Dog Walking – What’s It All About?

We walk dogs, they walk us. It means everything to them. To us it means happily watching their boundless joy at the simple pleasure of being out and about, exploring the world.

Their noses are the height of it all; their amazingly acute sense of smell tells them things we might only dream of.

Dog walking also gets us off our behinds and out for some good exercise and fresh air (as fresh as we can find it anyways).

Even picking up their poop with those biodegradable bags makes us stoop and stretch a bit; ah yes, what a workout.

Before we know it we’ve already walked over a mile, and speedily.

If your dogs are anything like mine, they’re always in a rush, full speed ahead, except when it’s time to apply the brakes and stall, to savor some mystery odor, for several minutes if need be.

Ever watchful we must be, as dogs can be reckless and brash, overcome by excitement, so our perceptions and reactions get sharpened in the bargain, too.

Add sight-seeing to the mix and our harried senses are multitasking!

Preventing dog fights and/or coyote attacks is a special skill we enjoy honing; the old “holy crap, exit stage right!” routine.

If you’re one of those lucky people with calm, sensible, blood-pressure-lowering dogs, well, I’m intensely jealous of you, but love my dogs no less.

I dream of a day when such a level-headed dog may come my way and into my life, but for now it’s “all hands on deck, full alert!” while out for our daily jaunts.

It’s truly amazing how quickly dogs can scoop up some alarmingly crunchy tidbit from some viscous, reeking mess and chomp and gulp it down before you can grab it away.

At those times, hopefully never again, you only pray that whatever it was gets digested and eliminated without problems.

Being always grateful that your dog hasn’t gotten him/her self killed (or that you haven’t done so), dog walking also heightens our spirituality. Grateful to who? Well, to whoever’s in charge “out there.” God even!

Dogs teach us special things we cannot put into words, really. Something about appreciating the little things in life to the fullest.

Something about the spirit, and togetherness, and love.

[All images free from pixabay.com, click on them to enlarge.]

The Unique Beauty of Animals in Stunning Photos

Who needs words when our fellow earthlings say it all, about why we should be respectful and let them be…

(click to enlarge)

All-Seeing and Wise – Owl

 

Cute as a Button and Industrious – Mouse

 

Graceful, Reedy and Glorious – Pink Flamingo

 

Flamingos in flight

 

Peaceful Beauty and Grace – Swan

 

Most Adorable Foodie – White Finch

 

Pink Flamingo Readying for a Nap

 

Artistic Perfection – Butterfly

 

At Rest from Mischief? – Orange Tabby Cat

 

In Thoughtful Repose – Beagle Dog

 

Ice Blue, but Warm Gaze

 

Ancient yet Ever Modern – Grasshopper

 

Tiny Fluff-Ball of Innocence – Baby Chicken

 

Ever Alert and Swift – Male Deer

 

Taking a Much-Needed Rest – Red Fox

 

Taken In by Their Twin Beauty – Grey-Crowned Cranes

 

Energized in Thought – Sorrel Horse

 

When Drowsy, Old and Wise

 

Contemplating Life? – Arctic Fox

 

Curious and Wary – Piebald Female Deer

 

Ever Expectant Food Muncher – Grey Squirrel

 

Deadly, but Responsible and Loving – Tigers

 

Photos are free from Pixabay.com; a great website worthy of support.