The Rest of the Story

 I've heard it's National Dog Day and while I perhaps don't celebrate it as much as some might think, I am totally convinced that we all need a furry little someone at our heels.My dog's have added so much joy to my life, I've become passionate about convincing people that having a dog will really and truly make their lives better.  Many years ago I had a call from an older lady who had lost her husband and was contemplating dog ownership.I could hear the sadness in her voice and I began an animated attempt to convince her to take the puppy plunge, to get a dog and fill some of that emptiness with a small life that would make her the center of it's world.To make quite a long story a bit shorter, she decided that yes, getting a dog was indeed a good idea and a few days later she was the proud owner of a little blonde and white bundle of puppy bliss.  I didn't hear from her except for bits occasionally about life with her new dog and then one day I received the following letter."Thank you Thank you Thank you for MAKING me get a puppy!I was so afraid to take on the care of a dog, and you spent so much time with me and convinced me to take the plunge.  My life has so changed for the better, it's amazing!  I laugh at him, I have someone to talk to, I EXERCISE,,, I meet people in the neighborhood.  People stop their cars and tell me how adorable he is, I've made new friends because of this little dog,,, I cannot thank you enough for encouraging me to take this step, or tell you adequately how much joy Baxter has brought to my life.With sincere gratitude,Kathleen P.I often think of Kathleen, when I have a call from someone who's teetering on the fence about dog ownership, I wish I could read them her letter, I wish I could have them sit at my desk on a chilly early fall evening and have my good dog snuggle round their feet for a bit.Yes, I might not be celebrating National Dog Day on the outside, but in my heart I'm a fan...