As my beloved Siberian husky nears her twelfth birthday next month, I treasure the years we’ve shared, and dread the thought of losing her… simply cannot imagine what life will be like without her …she’s truly one of the world’s most gentle dogs. Even though she’s slowing down, my dog does her best to keep fit, demanding her walk/runs no less than twice a day. Although she’s been skunked twice, and has terrorized her fair share of squirrels, she’s a sweet-tempered soul who’s never afraid to speak up for herself by letting her wants and needs be known, and for perfecting this skill she receives my admiration.
Siberian’s have a notorious reputation for being cat killers, and trust the dog was far from pleased the day a grey and white cat came to dinner. My husky watched him closely those first few days, and when the cat made his decision to stay, I learned three crucial life lessons from my dog: the importance of patience, the need for resiliency, and what it means to be truly tolerant. Over time a deep friendship formed, and the dog and cat are now nothing short of kindred spirits. When the cat’s hunt proves successful, he proudly brings his prize home… but not to me… instead he delivers his gift to the dog who allowed him to stay and flourish in a home where animals are always welcome… after all, it is from our animals that we are taught what it means to love unconditionally.
The above 7/28/81 YouTube clip features actor Jimmy Stewart reading a poem about his dog named Beau on the Johnny Carson show. Should you be fortunate enough to know the unconditional love of a dog, a tissue may be needed.
Pass the tissues please!
Thanks for watching, and yes, tissue necessary!