doctoral candidate in rhetoric and scientific and technical communication
Monday February 24, 2003
It’s a good thing I don’t have any kids. I’m a nervous mommy. My baby, my Dakota, looked so sad when I left him this morning.
Dakota, in case you don’t know, is my 7 year old beagle. He is a joy in my life. I get such love from him. He loves to cuddle. He even knows how to hug. Mostly, though, it’s his presence in my life, his quiet, sweet personality that keeps me coming back for more.
He’s getting on in years. While seven isn’t old for beagles, Dakota is showing his age. His hips are starting to hurt him. His teeth are going bad.
My heart aches when I see these things happening. He’s too young for all of this. I want to keep him forever (but I’m not one of those people who will stuff my dog to keep him forever…YUCK!).
I wish that our beloved pet companions could live as long as we do. Life would never be lonely or boring that way.
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We have two beagle neighbors. Those are the sweetest little doggies, although those particular ones howl like the hound dogs they are all day!
One of my dogs is aging too. George Carlin (my personal hero) has observed the fact that when you get a pet you are actually purchasing a small tragedy. The thing that counts, though, is if we love them and treat them with respect and care they will live good, happy lives. Which is what we owe them for what they bring to us.
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Ditto on the YUCK with stuffing your dog, Branwyn.
Blech. I’ve never had a dog, but I hear only loving things from pet owners, and want to know that feeling in my lifetime.
It always hurts to see your loved ones hurting. I’m sure that Dakota is right there, comforting you, when you are sick or hurting.
As you will be with him. Enjoy the week, Branwyn.
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Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest — and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
By Beth Norman Harris
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ahhhh, miss branwyn… i understand.
as i think you well know — as mean as he is most of the time… i’d be lost without my Brat Prince.i don’t even like to think about the time when i’m going to lose him. he’s just three…but still.
it seems like he and i should be able to grow old together… faint smile
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I’m glad to know you wouldn’t have him stuffed.
Pets are more than pets, they are family.