This is a bittersweet time of year, tempered with the memories of the dogs that gave me such great joy.
Will & Kate 1993
I'm thankful for my "imaginary internet friends" that share a passion for dogs and vintage doubles, and an appreciation for what they represent.
Tell a family member or friend that you are thankful for them, while you still can. And give your dog some extra rubs
Rudyard Kipling's "The Power of the Dog"
There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; But when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie-- Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet's unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find--it's your own affair But . . . you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!) When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone wherever it goes--for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear!
We've sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long So why in Heaven (before we are there!) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
More dog quotations
http://www.picturetrail.com/members/community/homePage/blogPage.php?uid=6511424&entryID=26234http://www.picturetrail.com/members/community/homePage/blogPage.php?uid=6511424&entryID=26233"Man's Best Friend" by J. F. Kernan
And since this terrible year is coming to an end (but 2021 may be even worse) and the season of "Peace, Good Will Toward Men" approacheth, maybe we can all exercise some self-restraint and
stop baiting each other until after Christmas?
