Always Yappy but Always Happy

We said goodbye to our dog of nearly 14 years tonight. I'm not the world's most passionate guy, but this hit me really hard. Everything Mark Levin wrote in "Rescuing Sprite" is true and understated. Even my neighbors across the street are broken up, for she had somehow taught them to bring her a treat now and then.

Zuzu was not to be ignored, always a bit on the yappy side. Somehow it fit that when everything else in her system was starting to fail she didn't lose a decibel. But she had that wonderful quality almost all dogs share. No matter your circumstances, every time you came home she was so happy to see you.

If we could change just one thing about the human race, wouldn't that be it?

Comments

[Lassie]

From "Rescuing Sprite (Mark Levin):"

I think there is something special about dogs. There’s a special connection or bond between humans and dogs. It’s as if dogs exist to bring people happiness. They teach us about life, loyalty, joy, trust, responsibility, and laughter. They help us clear out all the clutter that surrounds our busy lives and focus on what’s really important. They tell us it’s okay to take time to play sock-pull or have a catch, make silly noises, and enjoy yourself despite all the pressures we adult humans have (to) deal with. Let me put it this way: Dogs are not pets. Dogs are family."

My condolences on the loss of Zuzu.

[Lassie]

Speed, I forgot this link to Levin's Pet Corner site, where dog owners can share pet stories and photo:
http://sprite.marklevinshow.com/index.php

[Margaret]

I am very sorry for your loss. My inlaws are going through something similar with their 14 year old dog, her time is growing short due to illness. The one down side of dogs is that they live long enough for you to form a strong attachment (or grow up with them) but they live about a quarter as long as humans. Then there are parrots, some of which can outlive humans and need to be provided for in your will!

[The Big Stink]

Our dog Shadow was put down about a month ago. It's gut-wrenching, but it's something any dog owner has to always keep in mind - there will be a day!

Having said that, I believe God gave us dogs so we would know what unrequited loyalty is.

[Give2Attain]

My condolences on your loss.

Dale Carnegie in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" used his dog as an excellent example of how people should act. I have never found a self serving dog, unless you count their manipulating us into giving them a belly rub... Mostly they are just happy to be near us.