A Tribute to Old Dogs

Rarely do I cry while reading a newspaper articles or books, but this one just left me sobbing - Gene Weingarten's article about old dogs. The link is here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/26/AR2008092602860.html

"It's no big deal to love a dog; they make it so easy for you. They find you brilliant, even if you are a witling. You fascinate them, even if you are as dull as a butter knife. They are fond of you, even if you are a genocidal maniac. Hitler loved his dogs, and they loved him." - Gene Weingarten

How true those words are. I grew up with a mixed Lab named Lucky. We picked him up from a pound when he was only six weeks old. I was ten years old. In a way, he and I both grew up together - through my adolescents, his transformation from a puppy to a healthy dog, my graduations and, finally, his entering old age.

Throughout most of his life, Lucky never listened to me. He often ignored me whenever I called, never sit when I told him to, would often slept in my bed, taking up most of the space and in the morning, I would find him chewing on my wallet - having eaten all of my money. In short, he was a dog from hell.

But, as Lucky became older, he became more subdued and, in a sense, more vulnerable. Coincidentally, it was my transition from college to finding my first job. As I waited at home for prospect employer to call while others went to work, I was basically responsible for taking care of Lucky - helping him walk, feeding him, giving him a bath, massaging his arthritic legs and comforting him whenever lightning struck. In turn, he became the first one who I turned to for comfort, complaints, and solace.

Lucky became my best friend.

Seven years later, whenever people asked me, what makes me happiest? Without hesitation, I would say the best moment in my life is sitting on a front porch in the evening with Lucky and my two best friends in early autumn weather. We watched the cars go by, runners jogging and other people walking their dogs. It's always the simplest thing that brings joy to our lives.

I have often said, unashamedly, that I only have three friends in my life: two are humans and one is a dog. That still hasn't changed.