John Kitsco

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In my younger years there was Colie, Skippy, Snoopy, Amigo,
and Sasha. Currently, our precious Sandy. And each and every one of these dogs had a unique personality. Amigo, for example
(our Irish Setter) had a big heart, very protective.  Littler Terrier
Sasha loved to cuddle. Now, Sandy is pretty much my wifes dog.
She likes me (sort of) but really prefers my wife.

Just something special about a dog in the house. As a child
I could put my arms around big black long furry Skippy and
share my inner secrets. I needed a good listener. And as the
saying goes - these pets provide unconditional love. Now matter
how you look or how you feel, they are there for you, greeting
you  day in and day out. Like an old friend. And when they take
ill (as they sometimes do) and require a vet, they often cry like
children when you leave them behind and plead (howl) for your
return. A bark is a bark is a bark? Not!  The doggie ties to tell
you something, warn you someone is near the house. Little
Sandy barks once when the phone rings once, but after three
rings she is howling like a wolf.

We never missed a television show of Lassie or Rin Tin Tin or
the little Hobo. How a dog can steal a show or be the center of
attention is a feat all to itself.

And losing a dog (or a pet) often requires a special burial or
as we have always done, to drive to a quiet place and say a little
prayer for a lost friend. You see, the pets are part of the family.
We love them through their short lives. Snoopy died crossing the
road. And so it goes....

Our nephew Ian and his wife love to take in some injured dogs
and cats. Even some previously abused pets. And love them
dearly. I would have to say they spoil their dogs - and those
poor dogs that were abused by a previous owner - deserve
all and more of the love they get. At least one of their dogs
is living on borrowed time and still gets royal treatment. Now
just how wonderful can pet owners possibly be? Good on you
Ian.

And there is a big lesson and reward in all this - only a wide
eyed dog or precious kitten or other pet can reveal - and you
only find out that special lesson or get that reward after you
have had a pet for some time.

Your life can change when you care for a pet. Whether it be a
horse, a rabbit, a dog, a cat, a bird or other - your life changes in
ways you cannot imagine. So if you have not done so, seek out
a friend and shall not be dissappointed provided you provide
the same love these pets are willing to offer you, each and
every day, that marvellous unconditional love.