A Boy and HIs Dog

A boy and his dog make a glorious pair: No better friendship is found anywhere, For they talk and they walk and they run and they play, And they have their deep secrets for many a day; And that boy has a comrade who thinks and who feels, Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

He may go where he will and his dog will be there, May revel in mud and his dog will not care; Faithful he'll stay for the slightest command And bark with delight at the touch of his hand; Oh, he owns a treasure which nobody steals, Who walks down the road with a dog at his heels.

No other can lure him away from his side; He's proof against riches and station and pride; Fine dress does not charm him, and flattery's breath Is lost on the dog, for he's faithful to death; He sees the great soul which the body conceals-- Oh, it's great to be young with a dog at your heels!

~A Boy and His Dog, Edgar Guest 

I read this poem recently and thought it so right for my household.  When I enter my living room each morning I find my children with schoolwork on their tables in front of them diligently at work.  Tucked sweetly in each four laps are precious pets.  Davidson (top two pictures) has his Lily, Jensen (bottom two pictures) has little Tinkerbell, Johnston has his ever loyal Yoda, and Becca has Thumbalina.  All sleep contentedly in the laps of their loyal keepers, content to just be where they love to be.

When the kids go out to play in the woods I watch as Yoda faithfully skips (he has a funny little run skip thing) beside, behind, or in front of Johnston, his loyal human.  Yoda watches Johnston so intently...Yoda's world falls apart if Johnston leaves the room and doesn't take him.  Lord of above help us if Johnston goes to stay at someone's house over night.  Yoda spends the first two hours pacing and listening for his return...then he settles in my lap until Johnston returns.  Johnston doesn't leave him much...we even take him on all of our out of town trips...because poor Yoda doesn't eat or drink well when he is separated from his human that he is so protective of.    

There is just something so special in having a special pet.  Especially a pet that connects so deeply with you.  Pet's can even be so healing to ones hurt soul, they can be the listeners when you need to talk and are not ready to tell fellow humans, they listen without judgement, and love you no matter your failures.  They are a silent friend, always there when you need them.

Our dogs are greatly loved and spoiled, but they give so much love to us as well....it is well worth it!