Friday Five- Reasons why we love our dogs

A bit of a sad one today...

Two days ago, the much-loved and esteemed leader of the Border terrier posse on Twitter, @marleyterrier, died. He was a dog, albeit one with a dedicated Human typist, who shared his friendship and words of wisdom on a daily basis, and connected hundreds of Twitter-loving pets (and their owners, obviously- dogs have trouble with keyboards). To those of you who don't have a pet, the outpourings of grief that followed the news of his passing may seem silly, trivial even, when there is so much else to feel sad about in the world. But many will understand that the passing on of a beloved pet over the Rainbow Bridge brings as much sorrow as their lives brought joy.

Ali

Charlie

My Mum lost her gorgeous Ali this summer; we were away at the time, and the futile race home to be with him in his last moments is a memory that, even now, makes me well up. Not long after, my almost-sister Jo and her family lost their Charlie. Both were beautiful and loving dogs, with defined personalities, inexplicable quirks and endless devotion to their families. To appreciate the hole in our lives that a pet who has passed away creates, we must first understand why they hold such a special place in our hearts.

Puppy love

1. They love us unconditionally

Dogs don't care how much we earn, what car we drive, if we're attractive or even if we are nice people. All they care about is that we love them. There's an old joke about how to find out who loves you more- your wife or your dog. The answer? Stay out all night drinking and see which one is pleased to see you when you eventually come home. I often feel guilty about working late, but those tails still wag when I walk through the door. My dogs forgive me when I'm grumpy, love me when I look hideous and take advantage when I fall asleep on the sofa to snuggle up for cuddles. In their eyes, I can do no wrong, and that's a lovely feeling.

Another adventure

2. They live in the moment

Dogs live every day as if it were their first. They are ridiculously joyful and excited by the most mundane things. Watch a dog race through a field, ears flapping, tail high and try not to smile. They don't worry about the future, and they make the most of every second. Even when a dog has been mistreated, with love and patience, it can move on. They don't dwell on the past. Happiness for a dog is a warm sun-spot, a sniff in the long grass, a tummy-tickle, a tennis ball, a crust of toast- their list must be endless. Humans have to stop and count their blessings- dogs consider every moment a blessing. Imagine a life of endless joy... bliss.

Perfect selfishness

3. They listen to themselves

Ever seen a dog do something it doesn't want to? Nor me. They are selfish and ego-centric, and still we love them. My Harvey is a prime example of this last one. He doesn't even get up in the morning until there's something in it for him. As soon as I vacate the bed in the morning, he hops on up and snuggles under the duvet until breakfast time, only emerging from the warm spot when he hears the toaster pop. Maybe we would be happier if we put our needs first sometimes?

'blows raspberry'

 4. They don't take themselves too seriously

Dogs don't care about looking cool. They don't care what the world thinks of them. They do whatever they like and whatever makes them happy. This includes scratching, pretending that stuffed toys are real (both mine will toss theirs up in the air so they can chase and catch them), rolling in smelly things, barking at cats and scooting along the floor on their bottoms. They even poo in public. As far as a dog is concerned, no shame= no hang-ups. Wouldn't we all feel better if we could drop the act and be who we wanted to be, with no fear of people laughing at us? Maybe not the scooting though... we need to keep a little dignity. But the next time I want to gallop through the car park at Tesco, you'd better believe I'm going to do it. I may even do sound effects.

Freedom and joy

5. They make everything fun

It's 7pm on a Friday night. It's cold. It's raining. I'm driving home, tired and looking forward to a quiet night on the sofa. The streets are deserted save for solitary figures, bundled up in thick coats and woolly hats, attached by leads to waggy-tailed dogs, who are LOVING the rain! Yes, that's right- rain is fun if you're walking a dog. I wouldn't go out in the cold and wet for a stroll if you paid me, but I'll go if my dogs want me to. And I don't mind. In fact, before I know it, I'm even enjoying it too! So bracing! Who'd have thought? They make everything fun! Watching TV is more fun with a dog to cuddle. Long journeys in the car are more fun with a dog to sing along with you. Getting lost in a forest becomes an adventure with a dog to keep you company. Even having a bath is more fun (Alfie loves it when I blow bubbles at him). Going to the shops with two terriers leading the way makes the sun shine brighter, reflecting the smiles of people who stop us to make a fuss. A dog's joy is infectious and we should let the happiness spread.


Now you've read my reasons, you'll understand why I, and people like me, love our dogs so very much. They make us happy and, like all good souls, they make us better people. If your dog thinks you are the best, don't get a second opinion- just enjoy it.


p.s.

I saw this poem posted on Facebook today. It captures perfectly the sadness of losing a pet, and the fervent hope that we will see them again. Despite the fact that it made me cry, I think it's beautiful and comforting, and I wish I knew who wrote it so I could thank them. 

Letter From Your Pet in Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.

But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.


I'm writing this from the Bridge, where I dwell with God above.

There's no more tears of sadness here, just eternal love.


Please do not be unhappy, just because I'm out of sight.

Remember that I am with you, every morning, noon and night.


That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me, and He said, "I welcome you."


"It's good to have you back again,

you were missed while you were gone.

As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on."


God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.

And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.


And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,

God and I are closest to you - in the middle of the night.


When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,

because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.


But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.

Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.


I wish that I could tell you, all that God has planned.

If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.


But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.

I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.


There are rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb;

But together we can do it, by taking one day at a time.


It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too;

That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.


If you can help somebody, who's in sorrow and pain;

Then you can say to God at night - "My day was not in vain."


And now I am contented, that my life was worthwhile.

Knowing as I passed along. I made somebody smile.


God says: "If you meet somebody, who is sad and feeling low;

Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go."


When you're walking down the street, with me on your mind;

I'm walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.


And when it's time for you to go, from that body to be free.

Remember you're not going...

you're coming here to me."