During the pandemic we got a dog. At the time, my husband had finished immunotherapy for melanoma, and was feeling down, physically as well as mentally. He started walking the dog, and it has been amazing the change in his attitude. The dog, Oreo, has been a blessing for us. He's, our baby.
Dr Hall, thank you for getting to the root of one of the most powerful bonds we can have.
I think our minds and hearts have somehow crossed paths again, as I posted earlier this week about how Carson (my dog, best friend, portal to perfection) dealt with a health scare.
"Am I strong and tender and aware" is exactly right. There's no greater satisfaction than being a true friend and protector of those who depend on us.
Deborah. Thank you for reminding us all about the role of pets in our lives. Our pet dog's name is Riley. He's a Lhasa Apso breed. He'll be 2 in October and he's just like our baby. He's a part of our family and our care fie him is somewhat a preparation stage for when we become parents.
My husband and I had three wonderful dogs, all of them from shelters so that they seemed grateful to us for rescuing them. But we were so grateful to them for all the affection and loving wet licks that they gave to us.
They loved our children and were polite to almost everyone, except if they thought someone was dangerous to us they would growl ferociously at them. They would have sacrificed their lives to protect us.
The problem with loving a pet so much is that when they die we miss them so much that there is a hole in our hearts. All three of our beloved dogs have died by now, and we miss them so very much.
Deborah, you might suggest that we adopt another dog or other pet. But we live in a condo where no pets are allowed.
But we at least have happy memories of Chebacka, Netta, and our little Westie, Holly.
Two years ago I was adopted by a sweet little cat who I named "Loki" (the Norse God of Mischief).
Since then, Loki has grown to such a size that he should be chasing down wildebeests on the Serengeti. Still, he's my buddy ... though he often scolds me for being gone too long, or when his bowl is only half-filled. ;-)
His name is Fruit, short for Fruitbat. He bears an uncanny resemblance, in the face, to an Australian flying fox. He is almost never out of arms reach of one or both of us and is often found on one of our laps. It is scary how much he understands spoken language, I don't know if he has a large vocabulary or is just so cued in to us that he reads intent and body language. He is borderline neurotic coupled with soulful eyes and a love of snuggling. At night he sleeps on the foot of our bed. He is hypervigalant. Walks are an adventure. As I write this he is lying on the couch with his back against Soulmate's leg. He was in my postings "A Walk" and "Fog".
I can’t believe that you’ve picked this subject that speaks directly to me. It’s My husband and I were blessed with the perfect dog, and though she died nearly six years ago, I still can cry over the loss. Only people having an animal will know the joy of unconditional love. Having recently lost my husband, the loneliness and silence in the house has been unbearable at times. Having had back surgery and being over eighty, it’s been a battle of the head saying no and the heart saying yes. The decision has been taken out of my hands! A couple of weeks ago I was sitting at the kitchen table crying, when glancing out the window I see a young Tabby cat looking up at me. Cats have come by before, and when I open the door they run. I have a lot of bird feeders, and I don’t want a cat to catch one of my dear birds. Upon opening the door, instead of running, he looked at me and meowed, came over to me purring before I even reached down to pet him! He wanted in so badly, so I let him, and now this cat Jimmy (named after James Dean) has adopted me. I am not a cat person! No cat has ever come to me, and Jimmy not only wants to be loved, but purrs nonstop! None of the neighbors have ever seen him, so I keep asking why me? I had him fixed, bought everything needed for a cat even before accepting the fact that I have a cat! I’m told that this is a very needy cat who cries when he’s not being petted. I guess we’re both needy, so it’s a perfect match. He just adds some stress too, because he likes his outdoor adventures, and I worry about him like a mother! No matter what, he’s captured my heart, and for as long as he wants in, he has a home with me! At least I’m not afraid of him like I am most cats. The sad thing that I’m learning is the degree of people who HATE cats. There’s too much hate in this world.
I do look forward to your welcomed comments! Jimmy has been an outdoor cat since being on his own. I just can’t ignore his cries to go out. And, how can I say no to his “delightful “ gifts of chipmunks, which seem to please the neighbors more than me! You’ll be happy to know that at least I keep him in at night. I’ve been advised not to use a collar when he’s out on an adventure because there are lots of woods around and he could get caught up on something. He’s used to his independence, but he likes to come home to eat, nap, and get some loving! Hopefully we’ll both have some good years together.
During my 64 years on this earth I have had a series of good dogs. Each one has been the "best dog I've ever had" in their turn. With no siblings, my youth was spent wandering fields and woods with a series of loyal friends who were always ready for an adventure or to listen. The current "best dog I have ever had" is a Begel Rat terrier mix that we got from the shelter 8 years ago. He is deeply bonded to Soulmate and I. We do 1.5 to 2 mile walks around the farm every other day. He has opened my eyes to a lot, including the existential threat posed by squirrels, rabbits, box turtles, and the UPS truck. But for him we might totally miss a squirrel eating spilled seeds at the bottom of the bird feeder.
Very well done Dr. Hall, and I'm glad I read it before Fuzzy and I head out for our morning walk. It's a great opportunity for us to have quality time doing what he wants to do while I provide protective oversight and cleanup.
Later today I'll make his chicken and rice diet supplement and he'll supervise my workout. Fuzzy's impact on my life has been challenging, time-consuming, and overwhelmingly positive. His three predecessors had the same effect and their pictures hang on my wall as a reminder that they're always watching. As the story says "All dogs go to Heaven", and they provide a little taste of it while they are here.
Our Sophie turned 12 this week. She is the center of our Universe, of course. A Tennessee rescue (there is a continuous flow of pups from the south to MA) with a whole lot of DNA variety. Black lab (white chest), beagle, boxer...with small percentages of St Bernard, pit bull, shepard, husky and...shih tzu! Most people think she is a lab. Little do they know :)
Today will be rainy. So one of my indoor activities will be to prepare her meal toppers. I cook them up and secure them in little containers in the freezer. I delight in rotating her proteins. Rotisserie chicken or turkey are regular additions. But today I will roast up beef liver and pork tenderloin (they had a sale!).
In my next life, I want to be my wife's dog. I think that would be a step up the reincarnation ladder. Dogs seem to have life figured out in a way we can't.
Thanks Bill. Fuzzy is 1/4 each poodle, Lhasa Aspo, and boxer. The last quarter was so mixed that Embarkvet didn't even break it out. He looks like a Parson Russell Terrier which is what the rescue folks told me he was.
They're always with us, and I gave short shrift to my daughter's two cats who make their own inimitable contribution to the household dynamic. It's another beautiful day here, although summer's 90/90 combo is lurking nearby. The walks are good for keeping my in physical shape as well as a powerful reminder that, no matter how bad things appear to be in the mundane world, there is a Strength greater than any of us possess that will see us through in the end.
Mr. Biden appears to be growing stronger as the election season grows nearer. God grant that his strength will carry him through November and another 4 years.
Not only the dog. One day a couple of salesmen pulled into the driveway in a pickup truck. The two things Miss Lily hated were men and trucks. She and I were in the yard. One man introduced himself and said he was selling home protection devices. I told Miss Lily to sit. I told the salesman that I had a home protection device. He asked what kind and I pointed to Miss Lily. He laughed and said, "She won't protect your home." At that point I said "OK," the release word for Miss Lily, and with one leap she hit the chainlink gate and the man jumped back about 3 feet, looked at his partner and they got back into the truck and left. I gave Miss Lily her treat for good service.
This is a beautiful article. Thanks for sharing about the loving experience of having a pet, and our responsibility as care takers, as parents.
Welcome, Isabel
Thank you so much for being here
and sharing your kind thoughts with us.
I would love to hear about your pets.
It is so moving to me
to read the ways
each of my readers is being blessed
by the living experience
of having a pet.
During the pandemic we got a dog. At the time, my husband had finished immunotherapy for melanoma, and was feeling down, physically as well as mentally. He started walking the dog, and it has been amazing the change in his attitude. The dog, Oreo, has been a blessing for us. He's, our baby.
Dr Hall, thank you for getting to the root of one of the most powerful bonds we can have.
I think our minds and hearts have somehow crossed paths again, as I posted earlier this week about how Carson (my dog, best friend, portal to perfection) dealt with a health scare.
"Am I strong and tender and aware" is exactly right. There's no greater satisfaction than being a true friend and protector of those who depend on us.
Sam,
Wow. I wrote mine same day you posted yours.
I just read yours.
It moves me beyond words.
Thank you for the powerful gift
that your essay is to me.
And God bless your beloved friend Carson!
You're most welcome. I just enjoy that our paths are aligned.
me too
Deborah. Thank you for reminding us all about the role of pets in our lives. Our pet dog's name is Riley. He's a Lhasa Apso breed. He'll be 2 in October and he's just like our baby. He's a part of our family and our care fie him is somewhat a preparation stage for when we become parents.
Olusegun,
I am delighted to hear this!
I can just imagine you and your wife
tending your little dude Riley!
I can hear you discussing his meals,
his naps, his outings,
and whether one or both of you
is spoiling him :)
Yes indeed
you are already family
and Riley is preparing you well
for the next stage!
My husband and I had three wonderful dogs, all of them from shelters so that they seemed grateful to us for rescuing them. But we were so grateful to them for all the affection and loving wet licks that they gave to us.
They loved our children and were polite to almost everyone, except if they thought someone was dangerous to us they would growl ferociously at them. They would have sacrificed their lives to protect us.
The problem with loving a pet so much is that when they die we miss them so much that there is a hole in our hearts. All three of our beloved dogs have died by now, and we miss them so very much.
Deborah, you might suggest that we adopt another dog or other pet. But we live in a condo where no pets are allowed.
But we at least have happy memories of Chebacka, Netta, and our little Westie, Holly.
Dear Patricia,
I believe the pets we rescue
want to rescue us in return.
Yes, your beloved Chebacka, Netta
and your little Westie, Holly
would have died to protect you
and your husband and your children.
Another pet is not needed.
These three precious souls
are the ones you need.
They would be so sad
if they knew
that you miss them so much
that you are in pain.
All they ever wanted
was to be a comfort to you
and never cause you pain.
They were so grateful
that you rescued and protected them!
Let them fulfil their mission.
Let them rescue and protect you now
by staying so snug inside your hearts
that nothing can ever
rend a hole there again.
Thank you Deborah for your kind and insightful advice.
Two years ago I was adopted by a sweet little cat who I named "Loki" (the Norse God of Mischief).
Since then, Loki has grown to such a size that he should be chasing down wildebeests on the Serengeti. Still, he's my buddy ... though he often scolds me for being gone too long, or when his bowl is only half-filled. ;-)
hahaha the Norse God of Mischief!!!
that kills me, Jim
your sweet formerly little Loki
would doubtless
not only chase down a wildebeest
but adopt him for like size company
when you are gone too long
then take the opportunity
to empty wb's bowl
with no witness present
Pets are important. We parented a little buddy named Chico for his entire life. He was my best friend. Just lived to love us. Miss you Cheeks!
Paul,
You gave Cheeks the life
a dog dreams of.
He had his mission
and he fulfilled it.
Yes your little buddy
just lived to love y'all.
And he's still doin' it.
He's your forever friend.
Thank you! Beautiful!
His name is Fruit, short for Fruitbat. He bears an uncanny resemblance, in the face, to an Australian flying fox. He is almost never out of arms reach of one or both of us and is often found on one of our laps. It is scary how much he understands spoken language, I don't know if he has a large vocabulary or is just so cued in to us that he reads intent and body language. He is borderline neurotic coupled with soulful eyes and a love of snuggling. At night he sleeps on the foot of our bed. He is hypervigalant. Walks are an adventure. As I write this he is lying on the couch with his back against Soulmate's leg. He was in my postings "A Walk" and "Fog".
Fruitbat Bassett
aka Fruit
canine kin
with soulful eyes
and ready snuggle
long may you lavish your love
upon your beloved parents
I can’t believe that you’ve picked this subject that speaks directly to me. It’s My husband and I were blessed with the perfect dog, and though she died nearly six years ago, I still can cry over the loss. Only people having an animal will know the joy of unconditional love. Having recently lost my husband, the loneliness and silence in the house has been unbearable at times. Having had back surgery and being over eighty, it’s been a battle of the head saying no and the heart saying yes. The decision has been taken out of my hands! A couple of weeks ago I was sitting at the kitchen table crying, when glancing out the window I see a young Tabby cat looking up at me. Cats have come by before, and when I open the door they run. I have a lot of bird feeders, and I don’t want a cat to catch one of my dear birds. Upon opening the door, instead of running, he looked at me and meowed, came over to me purring before I even reached down to pet him! He wanted in so badly, so I let him, and now this cat Jimmy (named after James Dean) has adopted me. I am not a cat person! No cat has ever come to me, and Jimmy not only wants to be loved, but purrs nonstop! None of the neighbors have ever seen him, so I keep asking why me? I had him fixed, bought everything needed for a cat even before accepting the fact that I have a cat! I’m told that this is a very needy cat who cries when he’s not being petted. I guess we’re both needy, so it’s a perfect match. He just adds some stress too, because he likes his outdoor adventures, and I worry about him like a mother! No matter what, he’s captured my heart, and for as long as he wants in, he has a home with me! At least I’m not afraid of him like I am most cats. The sad thing that I’m learning is the degree of people who HATE cats. There’s too much hate in this world.
O my, Joanne, your story is so tender!
How you were sitting at the kitchen table crying
when Jimmy walked into your heart and sat down.
Yes, I do believe you are the purrfect match
for each other.
How wonderful that he found you.
Yes, your concern for your dear birdies is valid.
Fortunately there are cat collars
that make it very hard for a cat to catch a bird.
Perhaps you can research and find one with great reviews.
I have a dear cat Oliver who used to be outdoors all the time.
Then he killed a small being out there and it broke my heart,
so now he is an indoor kitty.
I walk him an hour every morning in a little harness with a lead!
He got used to it and is fine with this.
Just yowls a bit it the afternoon, wanting to go out,
but is easily distracted with a toy.
And I no longer have to WORRY about him getting hit by a vehicle
and all the other dear creatures are safe as well.
On our walks Oliver loves exploring
all around the yards joyfully sniffing everything.
And our walks get me outside in the beautiful day
and away from my computer--
which is no small feat!
I do look forward to your welcomed comments! Jimmy has been an outdoor cat since being on his own. I just can’t ignore his cries to go out. And, how can I say no to his “delightful “ gifts of chipmunks, which seem to please the neighbors more than me! You’ll be happy to know that at least I keep him in at night. I’ve been advised not to use a collar when he’s out on an adventure because there are lots of woods around and he could get caught up on something. He’s used to his independence, but he likes to come home to eat, nap, and get some loving! Hopefully we’ll both have some good years together.
I do believe you will!
He knows where home is!
During my 64 years on this earth I have had a series of good dogs. Each one has been the "best dog I've ever had" in their turn. With no siblings, my youth was spent wandering fields and woods with a series of loyal friends who were always ready for an adventure or to listen. The current "best dog I have ever had" is a Begel Rat terrier mix that we got from the shelter 8 years ago. He is deeply bonded to Soulmate and I. We do 1.5 to 2 mile walks around the farm every other day. He has opened my eyes to a lot, including the existential threat posed by squirrels, rabbits, box turtles, and the UPS truck. But for him we might totally miss a squirrel eating spilled seeds at the bottom of the bird feeder.
Fred,
Eight years and counting
with the best dog you ever had
is a might fine blessing
I can imagine his exploratory joy
and yours
on those 1.5 to 2 mile expeditions
around the farm
Do tell us the name
and nature
of your loyal pal
so we can more fully envision
his unique personality
and ways of being
with you and Soulmate
Very well done Dr. Hall, and I'm glad I read it before Fuzzy and I head out for our morning walk. It's a great opportunity for us to have quality time doing what he wants to do while I provide protective oversight and cleanup.
Later today I'll make his chicken and rice diet supplement and he'll supervise my workout. Fuzzy's impact on my life has been challenging, time-consuming, and overwhelmingly positive. His three predecessors had the same effect and their pictures hang on my wall as a reminder that they're always watching. As the story says "All dogs go to Heaven", and they provide a little taste of it while they are here.
Nicely said, Dave.
Our Sophie turned 12 this week. She is the center of our Universe, of course. A Tennessee rescue (there is a continuous flow of pups from the south to MA) with a whole lot of DNA variety. Black lab (white chest), beagle, boxer...with small percentages of St Bernard, pit bull, shepard, husky and...shih tzu! Most people think she is a lab. Little do they know :)
Today will be rainy. So one of my indoor activities will be to prepare her meal toppers. I cook them up and secure them in little containers in the freezer. I delight in rotating her proteins. Rotisserie chicken or turkey are regular additions. But today I will roast up beef liver and pork tenderloin (they had a sale!).
In my next life, I want to be my wife's dog. I think that would be a step up the reincarnation ladder. Dogs seem to have life figured out in a way we can't.
Thanks Bill. Fuzzy is 1/4 each poodle, Lhasa Aspo, and boxer. The last quarter was so mixed that Embarkvet didn't even break it out. He looks like a Parson Russell Terrier which is what the rescue folks told me he was.
Bill,
If your heart were any bigger
it wouldn't fit in your chest
Your dear Sophie
delightful Tennessee rescue
and center of your Universe
is blessed to be
in your tender care and keeping
May she savor
every delicious morsel
of your love offerings
Dave,
As you and Fuzzy set forth
to greet this glorious June mirning
the three heroes
who passed the torch to him
trot alongside you both
giving approving woofs
and adding wafts of eternal scent
to neighboring hydrants
The three musketeers
will also watch with rapt fascination
this aft as you stir up
the chicken and rice yummies
They are going to pass the recipe
to the Lord
with hopeful hearts
They're always with us, and I gave short shrift to my daughter's two cats who make their own inimitable contribution to the household dynamic. It's another beautiful day here, although summer's 90/90 combo is lurking nearby. The walks are good for keeping my in physical shape as well as a powerful reminder that, no matter how bad things appear to be in the mundane world, there is a Strength greater than any of us possess that will see us through in the end.
Thank you Dave
for your words of faith.
I pray each morning
for the Lord
to carry us through
the terrible times coming.
We will need each other
and we will need our pets.
I was deeply moved
by the D Day ceremony
at Normandy yesterday.
President Biden gave
the speech of his life.
Mr. Biden appears to be growing stronger as the election season grows nearer. God grant that his strength will carry him through November and another 4 years.
Amen
Miss Lily.
Belle of the South,
on a summer's evening,
likes to sit on the front porch.
waiting for the occaisonal truck
on the road, or a rabbit in the yard,
to come racing by.
Then,
she'll spring up, lower her body close to the ground
and propel herself,
like a missle,
at the arrogant offender
who deigns to enter her territory,
which extends as far as she can hear and smell.
Twice she's caught a rabbit
and I didn't have to feed her those nights.
Once, she escaped and caught the
the rear bumber of a UPS truck
and now her tail doesn't work
and I have to learn a new vocabulary
to know her moods.
God bless Miss Lily
Belle of the South
with eight lives left
to defend her turf
and you
from all encroachment
she will teach you
how to read her now
her purr
her meow
her hiss
her growl
a veritable kaleidoscope
of emotion
her language of love
of warning
and of valiant readiness
to defend the homeland
with all her might and main
God help
the dog
who
dares
Intrude
Not only the dog. One day a couple of salesmen pulled into the driveway in a pickup truck. The two things Miss Lily hated were men and trucks. She and I were in the yard. One man introduced himself and said he was selling home protection devices. I told Miss Lily to sit. I told the salesman that I had a home protection device. He asked what kind and I pointed to Miss Lily. He laughed and said, "She won't protect your home." At that point I said "OK," the release word for Miss Lily, and with one leap she hit the chainlink gate and the man jumped back about 3 feet, looked at his partner and they got back into the truck and left. I gave Miss Lily her treat for good service.
Daring Miss Lily
will be a Hollywood blockbuster
about
the fate of fools
who did so