A Dog's Will

When humans die, they make a will

To leave their homes and all they have
To those they love.
I, too, would make a will if I could write;

To some poor wistful lonely stray
I leave my happy home,
My dish, my cozy bed, my cushioned chair, my toy, my human's bed, my big back yard,

The well-loved lap, the gently stoking hand,
The loving voice,
The place I made in someone’s heart,
The love that, at the last, could help me to
A peaceful, painless end,
Held in loving arms.

If I should die, Oh! Do not say,
“No more a pet I’ll have
To grieve me by its loss”.
Seek out some lonely, unloved dog
And give my place to him.
This is my legacy I leave behind
‘Tis all I have to give.

My "baby" Otis will be 13 in October, and I can't fathom losing my Otis who has brought me such joy and love from day one when I saw his fluffy beautiful face at the RI shelter. I know if he could write, this would be what he would write to me. May God look over my boy and give us a few more years of snuggles and laughs.

Remember, only God loves you more than your dog.

A Blessing From God...

God promised at the birth of time, a special friend to give, this time on earth is short, He said, so love him while he lives. It may be six or seven years, or twelve or then sixteen, but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? A wagging tail and a cold wet nose, and silken velvet ears, a heart as big as all outdoors, to love you through the years. His puppy ways will gladden you, and antics bring a smile, as guardian or friend he will, be loyal all the while.

He'll bring his charms to grace your life, and though his stay may be brief, but when he's gone the memories are solaces for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return, but lessons only a dog can teach, I want you each to learn. Whatever love you give to him, returns in triple measure, follow his lead and gain a life, brim full of simple pleasure. Enjoy each day as it comes, allow your heart to guide, be loyal and steadfast in love, as the dog there by your side. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

As I myself am a true lover of such a creature I believe each of us should say, "Dear Lord I’ll shelter him with tenderness, I’ll love him while I may, and for the happiness I’ve been blessed with, forever grateful stay." “I will never again awake in fear with a cold nose in my ear, give me patience without end.” Help me be my dog’s very best friend.

Always remember, Only God loves you more than your dog.

Father's Day

To Our Master:

Today is Father’s Day and although you’re our master, we like to think of you as Dad. We know there have been times we’ve let you down.

There have been accidents. Mistakes have been made. We do things we are not proud of; and we feel bad about that, we really do. But there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for you, except maybe go to the vet, and other things we’d rather not talk about.

But if you wanna play ball, we are your dogs. Need a squirrel chased? Ha! Let us at ‘em! Need the heck chewed outta something expensive? Okay, bad example.

But the point is, WE LOVE YOU! We understand each other and we want you to know we will never leave you…well, unless somebody leaves the gate open.

Always remember, only God loves you more than your dog(s).

A Dog's Plea

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful than the loving heart of me.  

 Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hands between blows --Your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me those things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my ear.

Please take me inside when I am cold and wet. I am a domesticated animal and no longer accustomed to the bitter elements.

I ask for no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beneath the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water - for I can not tell you when I thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding - -to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, my dear friend, when I have grown old, or become very ill, no longer enjoying good health, hearing and sight--do not make heroic efforts to keep me in this world. Please see that my life is taken gently.

I shall leave this world knowing with the last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

As always, remember only God loves you more than your Dog.

" A Dog"

There have been times people tell me, "Hey relax, it is only “A Dog” or "You spend way too much money and time on “A Dog” and you do/did what for “A Dog?”

It is obvious they don't understand. “A Dog” plays many roles in our lives--family member, friend, helper, defender, and from time to time, psychiatrist. Anyone who has ever felt the familiar warm heartbeat at their feet knows that “A Dog” is the embodiment of the meaning of unconditional love and loyalty.

I have spent many hours with just the company of “A Dog” and not once did I ever feel alone or abandoned.

Some of my proudest moments have been with “A Dog” and sadly some of my bottommost moments were likewise spent with “A Dog.” In my days of despair, it was the gentle touch of "A Dog" that provided comfort and determinations to overcome the sadness of the day.

If you too think it’s only “A Dog," you are missing one of the greatest gifts from God; just as special as a shooting star or a sunrise, just as pure as promise should be, and as warm as a mother’s milk to her newborn.

"A Dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "A Dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person and inspirits my soul.

For me, “A Dog” is more than “A Dog”; “A Dog” is the quintessence of all the optimisms and dreams of the future, fond memories of my past, and the pure and simple delight of the moment.

So when people say to me, oh it’s just “A Dog” they have no understanding that it is “A Dog” that brings me hope and gives me humanity, and allows me to be more than just “A Woman” in this world.

...and always remember, Only God loves you more than your dog.

Thoughts

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heat. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

Remember only God loves you more than you dog.

Lesson from our fur-children

As humans, we need to try to be prepared for as much as we can to reduce the stress and worry in our lives. But still we worry about money, security, warmth, food, and yes love, as well as many more thoughts that can keep our brains feeling like scrambled eggs.  I look at my fur-babies and I try and decipher what is going through their minds at different times.  My oldest will sit and stare into the unlit fireplace; what does he see in that black cold space he is gazing into with intensity that I don’t? So of course I begin to worry that his age is catching up to him and he is going, shall we say, a bit bonkers.  What about when my youngest is staring at a tiny toad leaping across the grass? Is she thinking food, playmate, intruder, danger? Of course again I worry she may try to play with this tiny creature, kill it and then get sick from it. LOL I guess moms of any variety will always worry about her children, and like newborns, be curious what is going on in their thoughts and dreams that we are not privileged to.

As humans, we also make mistakes and fall down as we walk our life’s path through the good and the bad, the real and the unreal, the disappointment and the elations, the sadness and the glee, and the heartache and the exultation. When we encounter a sorrowful or heart-rending feeling or moment in our lives, we can easily trip and fall. What you do after that fall as you look up from that hurtful place on the ground that determines what will happen next in your life and what you can hope to obtain.

As when we were young children, our parents taught us right from wrong, how to act around others, proper manners, self-grooming, playing nice and sharing, and much more.  We also teach our fur-children similar lessons. My children are very well behaved, for the most part play nice, know how to treat others, and to use their manners; but when they reach an over the top emotion, sometimes all that teaching is replaced by actions that go against all the good we were taught. Emotion is associated with mood, temperament, personality, disposition, and motivation. Motivations direct and energize behavior, while emotions provide the affective component to motivation, positive or negative.  

I sometimes wish that my horrid past experiences and hurtful memories would just fade away into a section of my brain in which I never can access again. That would be nice wouldn’t it? To never re-feel any past hurt, pain, anger, rejection, or hateful actions thrust upon us. This we cannot do, but we can make ourselves learn from our past hurts and advance to a higher ground when we are forced to live them again both physically and emotionally.  Studies on canines, after a series of experiments showed that (similar to us humans) under conditions of long term intense psychological stress, around one-third of dogs do not develop learned helplessness or long term depression.  Instead they somehow managed to find a way to handle the unpleasant situation in spite of their past experience.

So once again dogs prevail over us humans. They seem to forget and move on and be happy in their day and we tend to submerse ourselves in pity and sadness. So today, I, a kind human and lover of all fur-children will climb up out of the black hole of my past and in spite of what I leave there I will be blissful, show love, live love, harbor no anger or hate, and be the pleasantest and easy going joyful  human I can. We only have this one life and this isn’t a dress rehearsal, so live it to the fullest every day. Do a kind deed every day. Love those that love you every day. Don’t allow your past to bully its way back in and wreck devastation and diminish your future happiness. Take a lesson today from your dog, wag your tail, roll in the grass, lick someone you love and forget yesterday because today is a brand new day!

Remember, Only God loves you more than your dog.

Dog Towel

The picture on today’s blog is a towel dog made by our cruise steward, Windsor.  I was thrilled when I saw it on the third day of our cruise sitting so cute on the bed. Being away from my fur children is an honest heartfelt difficulty for me as they are part of my very soul and when apart, I am only a fragment of myself. God has blessed and delighted me with the honest and pure love of dogs and many animals really, but especially dogs.  There is a distinct irreplaceable bond that opens my heart and penetrates deep within my very soul. The relationship with my dogs is very simple and uncomplicated. I give them love, care, and protection and in return they would give their lives to protect me in the name of devotion and love; this is evident when my dog stares directly into my eyes and holds that gaze. It is said dogs come from wolves, and although true, they have been separated and domesticated for hundreds of years that they really have very little in common with their predecessor, the wolf. A wolf will never ever look you in the eye, but your loyal dog will. What does it mean? There are many professionals that  all have their own explanation for this question after many decades of research and science. They can keep their analysis from their experiments and tests, my dog looks into my eyes for one reason only, love; one-hundred percent pure adoring love between us. Dogs have feelings, they have desires, they give a love that can only come from them, they are an amazing gift from God, and every day I am ever so thankful He gave this precious gift to me, for without it, I do not honestly know who I would be inside, for they are the ones that have been my best friends, my protectors, my cry pillows, my laughter, my joy, my life.

So remember, Only God loves you more than your dog.

** Don’t get all upset, I do love (some) people, especially my husband who is my human everything.

Awaiting Playtime!

Well, we finished all seven classes and Marley has graduated from the Good Dog Acadamy. I am very proud of how he did in a large class with strangers, both human and canine. Daddy joined us for all the classes and that made the entire experience family fun!

Today was such a beautiful day, the sun was out and it was pleasantly warm.  If I had been feeling better all four dogs and I would have been outside working and playing. I am looking forward to Wednesday, as they are forecasting 80 degrees here in the South. I need to stay on top of Marley’s training so he can advance into classes for his Therapy Dog accreditation. I want to be able to give back to my community and what better way than visiting the hurt and lonely in the hospitals for terminal care, elderly nursing homes, or children in the cancer wards. Marley will be their ray of sunshine, or at least that is my goal over the next few months.

As for the other three, they are not in need of training so to speak, they all know their commands, what one baby girl needs is to learn a bit of manners and to understand her size is not what she sees in the little twins. Abby is about 80 pounds and still a puppy. She is very rambunctious in her greetings and play, and I need to teach her that she does not need to jump up; she is tall enough while sitting to greet anyone. Somehow also let her know that even if the twins look like small stuffed and fluffy chew toys, they are not.  I may have more of a time with her manners than with Marley getting into the advanced classes for Therapy.

So Wednesday come on in, we are anticipating your arrival and all ready for a day of sunshine, warm breezes, and playtime….oh and snacks of course!

Happy days to all …

Remember, Only God loves you more than your dogs.

Wings of Love

I'll reach for your hand in the cold of winter, Ill reach for your hand in the heat of summer; but if my life can't reach the dawn of spring, I promise, in heaven, I'll reach you with my wings.

Remember, Only God loves you more than your dog.

Today is a throw open the windows, put on your favorite T-shirt and shorts and head outdoors to play with the fur-children. It is so amazing how warm and bright sunshine on my face can make me feel so lively inside. There is a soft breeze blowing across my face and through my hair, almost as if a hand is caressing me.

After about ten minutes the fur-children are all tired out and lay peaceful on the grass as they too feel the caress run over their fur and I really do see them smile.

As they are drinking in the sunshine and taking a break it is now my time to sit in my lounge chair with a cold beverage and do nothing but allow the sunshine to penetrate my heart and bring a smile to my face. Life is not always this simple, but for today it is what God has given to me.

Enjoy every moment God gives you, no matter how small it may seem because everything He gives us is a gift.

Happy Birthday Dad, gone from Earth but never my heart.

Remember, only God loves you more than your dog.

Waiting the Arrival

Well today the sun was high above and the temperature was in the high 60’s. A great day to begin my Spring cleaning, outside that is. The bird houses all need washing out so they can welcome the new families in and allow them a comfort abode for their offspring.

I have had baby birds, in numerous nests, for the last three years while here at the house. They are so downy and adorable and I just love to watch the mom swoop into the nest to warm her eggs or to feed the impatient babies.

There has only been one causality that I am aware of, and it is still very upsetting for me to remember the incident. I know Marley is very sorry for he did not know what he was doing. All four of my fur-children love to sit at the window and watch with amazement as they fly back and forth from the neighboring trees to the birdhouses and to the feeders. While outside, they run enthusiastically towards the feeding flocks and I laugh as the flock vanishes to the tree limbs prior to their arrival. I suppose the fur-children take after me, or am I imitating them, in my love for the birds and their antics and beauty?

Well, to the back yard I go once again, as I have only a third of the flower beds cleaned of the debris of the last fall of the colored leaves. As I am writing the feed is flying from the feeders as the afternoon snack time has arrived.

Remember, only God loves you more than your Dog.

A Woman's Best Friend

If you have (had) a dog who has made you laugh, watches you dance out of step and sing out of tune, brightened your life, snuggled with you, never stands you up, watches any movie you put on while placing his head on your knee, silently accepted your tears without judgment and always has a wet nose to Eskimo kiss you to feel better, forgiven your faults, didn't eat your meatball sandwich from the table when you walked away, sees you naked and doesn't comment, always willing to alert you to danger and will do his best to protect you with his own life, and loves(d) you unconditionally, you know for certain you have a very best friend.
Dogs are gifts many don't deserve, but for those that do...treat your fur- child with the love, affection, and give the time he deserves for all he does for you without ever asking for anything in return.

Always remember only God loves you more than your dog.

Four Paw Quotes

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912

They never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ~Jerome K. Jerome

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras

A cat, after being scolded, goes about its business. A dog slinks off into a corner and pretends to be doing a serious self-reappraisal. ~Robert Brault,

Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear. ~Dave Barry

I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult. ~Rita Rudner

The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor. ~Margo Kaufman

Children are for people who can't have dogs. ~Author Unknown

...and remember, only God loves you more than your dog!

My Dog is Forever

A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can't get it by breeding for it, and you can't buy it with money. It just happens along.

Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.

Always remember, only God loves you more than your dog.

Happy New Year

Today is New Year’s Eve, the eve of new beginnings and the day we are “supposed” to make our resolutions for the glorious New Year about to unfold. We are supposed to pack away all the ugly and soulless experiences of the past year and make promises to ourselves of greater things to be; a wiped clean slate in which we inaugurate the incoming year with promise and hope.

The gym memberships rise this time of year as does I am sure the sales of natural vitamins. Many are tossing out their bleached white bread and sugar cookies in preparation of stocking their refrigerator and pantry with healthy and organic foods. Detailed lists are being compiled outlining the promises of new and wondrous habits and behavior; quit smoking, lose weight, eat healthy, finish projects already begun months ago or maybe even start a new one. Clean the hall closet or attic, finish a book started months ago, train the dog to do tricks. We all have something on our personal detailed list that is either telling us to stop something bad, or to start something good.

I have not made such a list this year; oh sure I need to lose a few pounds (okay more like a few in the 10 pound range), I should quit smoking (again), and I desperately need to clean my closet, but why do I need to say it has to happen tomorrow morning? Isn’t that just setting myself up for failure? Telling the whole world I have finally, once and for all, made the decision to do what I have been unable to do now for years. As if something magical happens at midnight and just like that my mind is overflowing with only high expectations and goal orientated good, I can tell you right now, it won’t happen.

Oh I know I will eventually clean out the closet, lose a few pounds, and hopefully quit smoking without gaining another twenty pounds, but I will do this on my time, not the world clock and I will not be at the grocery store tomorrow buying all organic foods or watching videos on how to train my four dogs to be better in the new year. To do so would be fooling myself into believing that because the date has changed I have also changed.

I am eternally evolving and unpredictable, we all are to some degree, but for tonight I will share some quiet moments of relaxation, snuggle with my dogs, see the ball drop at midnight, open the front door and invite the new year into my home to bring me peace and happiness. Then I will go to sleep knowing I am a good human with kindness in my heart and hopeful dreams that someday I will ultimately reach all my goals, but not in one day with the world watching.

Happy New Year everyone, and please, go easy on yourselves and be safe

Always remember only God loves you more than your dog.

Can You

Can you have a conversation without spoken words?
I believe you can.

Can you love without ever touching it?
I believe you can.

Can a broken heart be broken into even smaller pieces?
I believe it can.



If you forgive and forget, will you never think of it?
I don’t believe you can.

If you don’t respect yourself, will you flourish?
I don’t believe you can.

If you have no life within you, can you ever be happy ?
I don’t believe you can.

Dogs are Family Members

A dog is not a possession, it is a family member.

A dog is not to live outside, who else in your family does?

A dog should be treated with respect and love.

If your idea is to “buy” a dog and chain it outside, then you don’t deserve a dog.

If you do not feel emotions for your dog, you don’t deserve the love of a dog.

If you cannot accept the rules of a caring partnership with your dog, then don’t get a dog.

Always remember, only God loves you more than your dog.

Memories at the Tree

I am sitting quietly this morning gazing at our beautiful Christmas tree with all the lights twinkling. Last night was set aside for us to adorn the tree with our loving hands hanging irreplaceable and evocative ornaments. The candles were glowing, the aroma of coffee and pine meshed together and filled our nostrils. As I sipped on my warm and frothy Irish coffee, I affectionately watched Ana with awe. She is an incredible blessing sent to me; a child whom I’ve come to love as a daughter. I watched as she carefully selected an ornament and then the perfect location to hang it, all while talking and smiling and enjoying the moment.

I did pause a little as I partook in this “family” night remembering past loved ones whom have gone. One by one they came, they meandered into my thoughts, they gave me a smile, and then they slowly faded away again. I too was smiling as I remembered all the love my heart still feels for them individually as they all have left me with such loving memories and cherished time. I will never stop thinking about the special ones that touched my heart as they “own” that piece within me for all eternity. Beautiful and memorable is how I would describe last night. Warm and cozy in flannel on the outside warm and cozy on the inside by the Irish coffee, memories of all the loved ones in my life, past and present, including the four legged ones.

Always remember that our best friends walk beside us on four legs; that compassion isn’t only for humans; and that the relationship between two souls meant for each other never really comes to an end.

Please hugs your pups because only God loves you more.

Life, Love, and Friendship

Life, love, and friendship. Three separate facets all very important on their own. When blended they become a harmonious pleasure of delight and contentment. It is almost as if you can hear the harp and the angels in heaven singing a love song just for you. My wish is that everyone reading this today can feel warmth in their heart, the angel's songs, and abundant affection overflowing and reaching the very soul of the one that makes your life brimming with love and friendship.

Remember to always hug your dogs because only God loves you more.