Drew, thanks for this thread. It's a comfort to all of us. Contributed stories make it all the better. For two seasons, I've been without a dog without any hope of a dog ever owning me again because of my age and circumstances.
I know my Jakes made me a better person. No need to explain but I must say from observing for a long time here that I've often thought that members exhibiting a high standard of values often talked of love of their dogs.
Another thought I have is it's not always the dog's fault if it turns out a palooka. Like humans, their characters are powerfully influenced by discipline and love from their caretakers. Love in, love out. We can take some credit for it.
