dog poem

It Takes a Certain Kind of Person to Love a Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

I am sharing this wonderfully written post from C.A. Wulff, artist and author of Born Without a Tail.  This is from her blog, Up the Woof.


C.A. Wulff’s darling dogs!

It takes a person who can accept that life is messy sometimes. That just because you step in a little dog poo, it doesn’t mean you have to throw the shoes away.

It takes a person who understands that voice-activated phone systems are for homes without barking.  And that sometimes the neighbors look scary, even though they live there and we see them every day.

It takes a person who believes that shared body heat makes up for the paws poked in your back on cold winter nights. And that as long as you can make your body into the shape of an “S”, there’s plenty of room for everyone in the bed.

It takes a person who can accept that sometimes, it’s okay to be used as a trampoline. Especially if there’s something really interesting to be seen out the window; like leaves falling or grass growing.

It takes a person who can shrug off that errant strand of dog hair in a sandwich and pretend that it’s nothing more than pure protein. And that leaving the sandwich unattended on the table is the same as an engraved invitation to dinner.

It takes a person who understands that sometimes the temptation presented by a roll of toilet paper is just too much to resist;  and it must be shredded.  A person willing to concede that shoelaces and dirty socks might be more palatable than you think.

It takes a person who understands that throwing the yellow ball is far more important than the program you are trying to watch on TV, the book you are trying to read or the telephone conversation you are trying to have.

It takes a person who is willing to be worshipped and adored for the next 10-15 years despite all of their personal  faults and shortcomings.

It takes a person who can laugh at the chaos, shrug off the messes and embrace the joy.

Do you have what it takes?

 

Baxter’s Tribute Poem written by his Loving Mom, Melissa Joseph

Posted by Barbara Techel

A memorial service was held at San Diego Hospice where Baxter, the World's Oldest Therapy Dog worked his magic, up until the last day of his life on October 16th at the age of 19 1/2.  I still get choked up reading updates about this beautiful dog.  Video footage of the memorial is coming, so stay tuned.  But Melissa shared this poem on her website that she wrote for Baxter and read at his memorial tribute.  My heart continues to be with Melissa and her husband, Dennis as they move forward with Baxter firmly in their hearts and now as their spiritual guide.

A Dog’s Way

A dog’s love is so uncomplicated.

It‘s a relationship that consoles rather than upholds agendas…

It’s a relationship that gives and never takes.

It’s a relationship that fulfills rather than empties.

It’s a relationship that is loyal, never giving way to abandonment.

It’s a relationship full of many hellos and only one good-bye…. when they die.

Their love is magical, spiritual, pure and constant. When all else seems unreal, overwhelming, and perplexing, a dog’s love puts it in perspective.

Their fires for you never wane; they always burn and burn for you.

They get excited when you come home and sad when you leave.

They always want you. There is no debate about anything.

Their conversation is read through their eyes. They never tire of your voice. They are attentive, willing and relentlessly there for you.

They really only leave you one time…And, when that time comes, the love affair does come to an end. But, you know that you have been graced with an angel on earth.

They don’t judge you; they don’t ignore you; they don’t abhor you; they don’t hurt you.

They are true until they take their last breath.

There is no love like theirs.

To have a relationship with a dog is to have a taste of bliss.

And, to have a relationship with Baxter is to experience perfection on earth.

I love you Baxter!