GOLDEN REFLECTIONS (Image: Josh with Baron - February 2008) "He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. - Unknown - (Photo: Josh with Sophie - December 2007) WHY A DOG? Excerpt from Richard A. Biby North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association magazine From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "That's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for "just a dog." Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me, and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile....because they "just don't understand." (Photo: Naptime - Sky, Baby & Sophie) Things I've learned from my Golden: * When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. * Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. * Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. * When it's in your best interest, practice obedience. * Let others know when they've invaded your territory. * Take naps and stretch before rising. * Run, romp, and play daily. * Thrive on attention and let people touch you. * Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do. * On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. * On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree. * When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. * No matter how often you're scolded.... run right back and make friends. * Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. * Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. * Be loyal. * Never pretend to be something you're not. * If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. * When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. - author unknown (Image: Simson in the garden) A Dog's Ten Commandments 1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Please cherish our time together. For me - any seperation from you is likely to be 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 and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment...... but I only have you. 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice. 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. 7. Before you hit me, remember that I could hurt you.... and yet I choose not to. 8. Before you scold me fo being lazy or unco-operative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak. 9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. 10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me - please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face it alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there ... because I love you so. - Author Unknown I Stood Beside Your Bed Last Night I stood beside your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear. "Its me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here" I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore. I want to take your parcels, I wished I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there. I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for the key, I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me". You looked so very tired and then you sank into a chair, I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there. It’s possible for me to be so near you everyday, to say to you with certainty "I never went away". You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew That in the stillness of that evening I was very close to you. The day is over.... I smile and watch you yawning and say, " Good Night, Sweet Dreams, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning". And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide I'll rush to greet you and well stand together side by side. I have so many things to show you, there's much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out; then come home and be with me.