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…
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