No Love Like Puppy Love

I cried recently over the passing of dog I never met. From his pictures you can see he was a noble companion. He had the air of an ancient and adored teddy bear. Careworn and all more lovely for it.

I am going to cry later today, possibly while writing this, over a dog I met only briefly many years ago. She was older than my son by two years and I remember when her human first got her.

I cry for dogs, and their people because the love of a dog is so pure and innocent and unconditional. The world needs as much as that as it can get. So, when a dog dies I feel sad.

I also cry because we usually do not get the luxury of having our Good Dogs just slip away into death on their favorite blanket. We cling to our dogs and keep them with us as long as we can. The dogs never seem to mind no matter how inconvenient living becomes.

In some ways I believe God does not intervene with dogs on purpose. Dogs give us so much it is fair that we take that walk with them.

In some ways it is a gift, that last goodbye, in others so painful. That final tail wag, so tired, but still trying to smile in that doggy way. 

To the last moment, the Good Dog wants their Person to be happy, to know they are loved & appreciated and they are grateful for every treat, every walk and belly rub.

And the Good Human, smiles through tears and holds on. Smelling that smell of sunshine, dirt and goodness a final time, grateful for every lick, every lesson learned. Because they are better people for having been loved by a dog.