Our little Sophie Belle brought love into our home when we needed it most. She was a toy poodle with spunk. Tiny and tender, soft and cuddly, she was able to put a smile on anyone’s face in seconds. Sadly she turned 5 and was the victim of a hit&run this February. Our hearts broke but we had a smile in our minds as we know she was one of the happiest dogs ever.
–Gretchen from MD

When I adopetd my dog, the shelter included this in the adoption packet…

MY BEST FRIEND
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long, & don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, & your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice & when it’s speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old & weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or “Let it happen in my absence”
Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Author Unknown.

Kathy from NV

I have been listening the last few nights at my second job. Thanks for the oppotunity to share about my buddy,Jack,and what he meant to me in my life. 3 weeks ago he lost his battle with cancer. He was a 10 year old yellow lab my wife and I got the year before we were married.He was the most gentle giant of an animal I have seen. He was a pure bred yellow lab and at the his heaviest, he weighed 118 lbs. When we had to put him down he was only 90 lbs. He was the first animal I had ever had in my life. Besides my wife he was the most constant person in my life for the last 9 years. We do have 2 other dogs, Bear a Lab/Retriever mix and Coco, a lab beagle mix. We also have 2 cats and enjoy each and every one of them. I miss my big guy and the times I was able to take him out to do what he did best, hunt birds.
God Bless and keep up the great work.
Semper Fi to all the Vet’s out there this weekend and Thank you for your service and commitmant to this country.

Daryl from MN

First I need to tell you that you have made me cry a number of times on my drive home from work when you talk about your Dog. Don’t worry. They have been good cries. I had a Dog when I was about 7 years old and his name was Toby. He had only 3 legs. My Uncle found him in his milk delivery truck and I was able to nurse him back to health. We were inseparable and our Love was such that Toby could hardly wait for me to get home for a little rough housing and play. A car killed Toby and the driver just drove off. You of all people know how I felt.

My Wife and I have been married over 44 years and have 4 wonderful Daughters. We have had many Dogs over the years and they have all been Family Dogs. I have never gotten attached like I was with Toby.
NOW! I have my own Dog again and I am just nuts over her. She is mine and I am hers. Wow! I had forgot what it is like to have such Love and devotion in my life other than what I receive from my Family.
She is 17 months old and I am 68 years old. I sure hope we both just kind of go with the Lord on the same day.
She liked to get in my recliner and watch television with me. The problem was that she is 85 pounds and we both didn’t fit the chair very well. So I bought a double recliner so she can sit with me instead of on me. My kids think I am a little nuts. I don’t think so. What is your opinion?

I now know that you are a softy. Keep giving the dems Hell but don’t stop talking about our Heroes and your Dog stories.
Thanks.

Clyde from OR

This is the story of our dog Spunky, yes he looks like a cat but he doesn’t know he is one.
Spunky was rescued from a shelter and was actually featured on TV during an adopt-athon.
My son really wanted a cat for his 5th birthday. My wife called me to tell me there were two cats left , one was beautiful and the other…..well, was Spunky. When I came home from work that day I met the new family member. “I hope he has a great personality cause he aint much to look at.”
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Someone MUST have posted this but I just wanted to be sure that you had seen it.

A Tribute To The Dog
By George Graham Vest

Gentlemen of the jury:
The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only be may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.

About The Author
George Graham Vest (1830-1904)

George Graham Vest was a United States Senator from Missouri from 1879 to 1903. He was one of the leading orators and debaters of the U.S. Senate. While he was practicing law in a small Missouri town, Vest represented a man who sued another for the killing of his dog. Vest’s handling of the case was unique. He showed no interest in the testimony offered. However, when his turn came to address the jury, he made the speech above and easily won the case.

God bless !!!!