......MAN'S BEST FRIEND......
Some people just can't stand dogs. They complain bitterly about muddy paw prints all over the house, dog's hair on everything, dogs barking at night , dogs polluting their lawns and so on. all legitimate complaints to be sure - but to those of us who love these furry bundles of love, these faults are far outweighed by the benefits one gains from owning a well trained dog.
I can't imagine coming into the house without seeing a friendly tail wagging in greeting. but then I have always had a special feeling for dogs ever since one brave little fellow saved my life at the expense of his own. I was about 10 years old at the time, playing tag with some friends. I started to cross the road right into the path of an oncoming truck. Little Rover,who was on the opposite side of the road, ran across and knocked me down out of harms way-but he was struck by one of those huge wheels. That was a hard lesson for me to learn. How I missed that brave little pup.
Over the years,I have heard of several incidents , where a dog has saved lives. Barking loudly to waken a family whose house was on fire. or to attract passersbye when the owner had taken a heart attack. Even searching out homeless cats and adopting them. Then there are the dogs who are trained to lead the blind- and to accompany hearing impaired. It is little wonder that the dog has been named 'Man's best friend'.
Some years ago the late Senator Vest wrote a Eulogy on the Dog. For those who haven't had a chance to read it- here is a copy.
'Gentlemen of the Jury:the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he reared with loving care may become ingrateful.
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 when he may need it most.
Man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action.
The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw a stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.
The one absolutely unselfish friend a man may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog.
'Gentlemen of the Jury;a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and in sickness.He will sleep on the cold ground when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely,if only he may be at 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 rough 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 reputations fall 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 into the world,friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no more than the privelege 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 ground, no matter if all the other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head down- his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness. Loyal even unto death.
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I am very honored to receive this award. Thank You
Thank you Susan Helene
Some dog graphics from
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