Dogs have been in my life since I was young. I’ve had 3 cats, all of whom were charming independent creatures for whom I had affection but dogs have my heart. What is it about canines that is so compelling? To me, it’s the unconditional love, their ability to demonstrate loyalty and affection with no strings attached. We are the center of their universe. While elderly owners often slow down their physical activities, a dog will be willing to walk and be up for play to whatever degree the master or mistress is capable. Even the little ones will act as protectors and guardians by, if nothing else, yapping whenever they hear an unexpected sound or see a new person or other animal. And as all dog owners will agree, they are reliable social ice breakers, promoting conversation and connection.
Frances, beautifully said. I often think that my life could measured out, not in the words of T.S. Eliot "with coffee spoons", but by sunsets, starry nights, and canine companions. My German shorthair pointer (GSP) is a treasure, and Beau will be with me for some time yet, but when he passes away, another dog will not be coming into my home. I have reached the age where another dog would most likely survive me, and it would not be fair to subject a beloved doggy friend to the grief and bewilderment of losing his or her human, the uncertainty of rehoming.
I just love your phrase “my life could be measured out…by sunsets, starry nights, and canine companions.” Thank you so much, Cate, my dear soul sister.
I was able to read this post during my recent no wifi days as I went to cafes to catch up however, time was always an issue so I wanted to revisit this post. My husband and I have had four dogs during our long marriage and only the last decade we have not had a dog. When our last dog died we said no dogs from now on. We miss them terribly but still believe that is best at this stage of our lives. We have had poodles and one bichon and all of them "rescue dogs". We have pictures of them that stay on the refrig and in frames here and there. We still tell stories about them. What joy they still bring us. I miss them very much. We were so fortunate to have had them in our lives.
Yes, I agree that not having dogs after a certain age is really the best, difficult as it is being without. Oh, poodles and a bichon...we both especially enjoy those cuties with ample coats.
Frances, beautifully said. I often think that my life could measured out, not in the words of T.S. Eliot "with coffee spoons", but by sunsets, starry nights, and canine companions. My German shorthair pointer (GSP) is a treasure, and Beau will be with me for some time yet, but when he passes away, another dog will not be coming into my home. I have reached the age where another dog would most likely survive me, and it would not be fair to subject a beloved doggy friend to the grief and bewilderment of losing his or her human, the uncertainty of rehoming.
I just love your phrase “my life could be measured out…by sunsets, starry nights, and canine companions.” Thank you so much, Cate, my dear soul sister.
Oh that face, he looks so wise and kind 🤎
I was able to read this post during my recent no wifi days as I went to cafes to catch up however, time was always an issue so I wanted to revisit this post. My husband and I have had four dogs during our long marriage and only the last decade we have not had a dog. When our last dog died we said no dogs from now on. We miss them terribly but still believe that is best at this stage of our lives. We have had poodles and one bichon and all of them "rescue dogs". We have pictures of them that stay on the refrig and in frames here and there. We still tell stories about them. What joy they still bring us. I miss them very much. We were so fortunate to have had them in our lives.
Yes, I agree that not having dogs after a certain age is really the best, difficult as it is being without. Oh, poodles and a bichon...we both especially enjoy those cuties with ample coats.