38 Comments

This is profound.

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Awww. Thanks Amie. You gotta like dogs! They wear their hearts right out where you can see them.

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Rescues are God's chosen creatures. I lived with four of them--two doggies, and two kitties-- for eight years until I was jettisoned by my conspiring "family." Bear and Charlie (the doggies) and Puff and Mandy (the kitties) were my daily best and most loving buddies in a "home" that was surreptitiously becoming unwelcoming and, sadly, toxic. They snoozed next to, or on, me innumerable times and EVERY time it was obvious they were literally "reading" my thoughts and emotions. I am heart broken that they were taken away from me by heartless humans... and I'm trying to get news about them by circuitous and desperate efforts. I am not ashamed to say I CARE MORE ABOUT THEM than all of three of my estranged members of my ex-family. I pray daily for all my four dearest buddies to be well and their usual delightful shelves... and perhaps the Good Lord might give me a (remote) chance to see them again before anyone of us FIVE expires... I pray.

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My heart and prayers are with you and your furry friends. No harm in sending them thoughts of love.

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Thank you, Sandy... I wish I could hug them, all of them, right now....

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Sending my love. It is not only a good idea, but it is important to be kind to yourself at this time. Perfectly okay to read a favorite author or watch a favorite show. Your pals would want you to find this comfort.

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Here's hoping, AT!

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My Dougie dog makes those promises and she wants to mean well when she makes them, but it’s not her fault that we left a loaf of fresh baked bread on the counter within reach. That was simply a case of entrapment. And what would I do if the bread smelled a hundred thousand times more intense because one of my super powers is my sense of smell? And that fresh donut on the car seat? How was Dougie to know it was for my old guy and not trash she saved me the trouble of throwing away, including the paper wrapper?

I believe God created people to build fences for meadowlarks to stand on when they sing and fireplaces for dogs to sleep beside when it’s cold outside. That’s our primary purpose; everything else is just fluff.

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I understand completely. Anyone who leaves a loaf of fresh-baked bread on MY table?Same result. I would be totally entrapped. As for the lonely do-nut on the car seat? I love it that she ate the paper and all - you know, just in case a crumb or smear of icing remained. Smart girl.

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I expect all this from humans. Does this make me a cat?

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Makes you optimistic, I think. You have lived with cats AND dogs. I haven't. But I respect them both.

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Many wags from Quinn and Molly! Lovely, Sharron.

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Arf!

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Ah Sharron, this is like the Ritz Carlton Golden Rules... for dogs. So perfect.

Three of the eight dogs in my life were rescues. 🐶🐕‍🦺🐕

I believe all eight lived by the 'rescue dog's promise'...each in her own way.

As your pieces often do, this one evoked so many funny memories of the only 8 creatures in my life who loved me unconditionally. As Bob Hope said, "Thanks for the memories." 🐾

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Terrific! Thank you, Heather, for taking time from your writing DEADLINE!! to read and comment. Over and above the call of friendship, I'd say!

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Oh, boy. I miss my dog. What perfect buddies.

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Right you are! I have known a lot of fine dogs- as I am sure you have too!

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You captured Sophie perfectly! Maybe she should have a byline.

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Just have her write me a few lines and I will include them! Smart dog!

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Another great one, Sharron. I was grinning the entire time. :D

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Thanks CJ! Just trying to capture how a dog "thinks".

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I only have grand-dogs, but the description fits them to a tee.

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Sweet friends, no doubt.

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definitely

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Awww. This is wonderful. My old pal Rylo approves. Woof! 🐶

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Dogs! As for Rylo: Arf!

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Aww. That was really sweet, Sharron. I miss my pup. 🥹

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Thanks for reading my dog story. I have known a lot of dogs, but never shared a house with one. Do I have them figured out? Seems to me all they want is food and kindness and they will be happy forever. Come to think of it, that's pretty much all I need, too!

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This is so thoughtful and lovely, Sharron.

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Sorry, Rebecca, I just found your comment! Thanks for your comment here. I don't recall reading if you ever had dogs in your posts, so I don't know if you have one. I DID read about chickens and tadpoles! Both delightful stories.

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😘

No dogs, nor cats either! Pet free! 🤣

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Well, maybe it is best, as you are out on the road working so much. Time enough later.

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You're right, Sharron - our unpredictable working lifestyle would make having any pets very difficult, although in any case it's my preference not to have any. I love nature, though. I grew up surrounded by animals, but none of them house pets - oh, apart from a budgie for a bit - it was sheep, goats, hens, ducks, pigs and geese for us.

(And dogs frighten me! 👀)

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Sharon,

This should be posted at the Animal Shelter among many other places!! It really hit home, not only because I am a dog lover, but….

Coincidentally I visited the Animal Shelter here in Santa Cruz yesterday with a friend, who is going through cancer treatment & looking for an emotional support dog.

Just before reading this wonderful depiction of our best friends, I was recalling the images of the shelter: the older dogs, larger dogs, German Shepards, the sad lonely faces, the eager friendly ones. Heartbreaking.

And the puppies!!! The desired. The smiles & joy! The universal love of new life.

Needless to say, “Who’s a Good Boy” got to me, and would hit home for so many others, who have loved, lost and adopted the loves of & in our lives. 😢

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Sorry, Lori! I don't know how I missed this comment! Thanks so much for sharing this personal experience. Very sweet. Hope you are well and content, my old friend.

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I think you covered all the bases, although some do not apply to my Ginny. She gets away with murder. Queen of the house!

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Your Ginny! She KNOWS she is the Queen and no doubt she plays it up for all she is worth.

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She does.

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