Monday, May 30, 2011

The Gift

"It's so weird not having her right here"

That's when they point to the ground right behind them, or tap their hip, signaling the place where their pup can usually be found.  I hear this so often when a person reflects on their dog being absent from home.   It's the most common thing people admit when their dog has passed away, has been at the clinic overnight to recuperate from surgery, or the owner has been on vacation.

We've had a recent run of sad outcomes lately.  Diagnoses that end in tears and gut-wrenching decisions.  It's tough not to reflect on your own pack and consider their roles in your life.

I find it's the proximity you miss.  The knowledge that you're not alone, that one of the pack is right there.  It's good to feel that someone, however fuzzy, has "your back".  That you're not alone, even when there isn't another human for miles.  We all have that driving pack mentality, like it or not.  I think the pack gene might be stronger in some of us, though...

On this Memorial Day, I've been considering the guardians of our greater pack - working dogs and their handlers.  We owe them so much.  Because of them, we're not alone.  Someone strong, powerful and fearless has "our back"

Look around and appreciate your pack today.  Each day is a gift to celebrate that bond, precious time, and lives spent well.


 

27 comments:

  1. We almost used that one on our blog -

    GMTA as they say!

    Pawesome post!

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra

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  2. Oskar and Pam have me drop by to say "hello". This is a great post and photo. Thanks for the reminder that everyday is a gift :)

    Love ya,
    Jon Terry

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  3. That is such a pwerful photo - it says SO much. We all salute those canines who served so well.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  4. Powerful photo. Thinking about working military dogs and their handlers always gets me all choked up. I watched a special on TV about it once and it was truly fascinating.

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  5. what a beautiful post. thanks for this rare moment of reflection and appreciation.

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  6. Great post. We do our our working animals so much.

    As for noticing the dogs, when mine our out for a day, I often still look for them under my feet before rising from the couch, even when I know they are not here.

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  7. Really touching post... hope you had a nice Memorial Day.

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  8. Happy Wednesday woofs & hugs!!

    ~Bailey

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  9. So true! I'm so glad to read recently that adoption wait-lists for retired military dogs are full and growing.

    Thanks for the nice comment on my blog. Come on back if you'd like to meet our new addition, the bulldog puppy Roland. Fair warning - the cuteness might give you a cavity. :)

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  10. What a lovely post, it's so true. My husband frequently has to go away for business and he says one of the things he misses the most is having a dog around at the end of the day.

    Thank you for sharing this.

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  11. Unconditional love and devotion is what these wonderful dogs are all about. A great salute to their service and devotion and how much of an impression they leave on our lives.

    Holly & Khady

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  12. Such a poignant post. I was a handler for a search and rescue dog many years ago. It forever changed how I view my relationship with my dogs. This may be heresy to some... but I don't view myself as the boss. I view myself as a partner with my dogs. My dogs know things and can sense things that I can't... and vice-versa.

    Yes, I will treasure my pack today. I try to every day for I remember that feeling of the missing dog so very strongly. In fact, I still feel it some days, for dogs who crossed long ago.

    Thank you for this post.

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  13. Wonderful post, and such a touching poignant picture. Thanks for sharing.

    Winnie the Greyhound

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  14. Pawsome post and great heart stirring picture!!!
    Well said too.
    Ernie,Sasha,Chica,Lucas

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  15. I found your blog off of Pet Blogs United and have to admit I am a little overwhelmed at the quality and quantity of the offering.
    I have recently started a blog devoted to pets. It is a little different in that what I do is search daily through 30 to 40 on line publications to find interesting articles related to pets in several areas. I try to post at least 6 to 8 per day with a description of the article and link to it. If you visit the site you will see a several day sampling of it and a statement at http://www.bestpetblog.blogspot.com he beginning of what I hope to do. If you would care to look and let me know I would be honored.
    Thank You
    On the site a I say that if only read one thing read the Memorial Day tribute to the men and their K9 partners

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  16. Happy Friday woofs & hugs!!

    ~Bailey

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  17. Great post...well pawed indeed! We thank all our veterans and K9 partners and we so agree...everyday is a gift that we have to share with our furbabies. Happy Saturday!

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  18. A beautiful post and so true.
    Thank you for your kind words to me about losing my sweet sweet Bambi. I miss her so much!! You are right about the pack. We need that someone with us all the time at least I do!! I need a dog with me not another human. I get along just fine with a dog. I have to grieve though. I have to go through that period before I can give another dog my love!! She was only sick 2 days. It was so fast!!!
    Thanks for your friendship, Fern

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  19. What a terrific post. It captures Memorial Day so well.

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  20. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. We think the boys will be able to work things out, too. It is just so scary when one of our babies is screaming in fear.

    The newsletter looks great and I have gotten so many compliments on your article from people going to view the page! Think we're famous, yet? hahahaha

    Siku Marie and The White Dog Army
    www.whitedogblog.blogspot.com

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  21. Very sweet post and photo. I'm a dog portrait artist and most of my commissions come from people who've lost their dog. It seems the house just doesn't feel right without that familiar, loving face in it. I joke that my own dog always seems to know right where I want to step seconds before I step there, but, truth be told, I don't know what I'd do without him here in the house with me all day. He's the hug when I need it, a companion to enjoy the outdoors with, my comic relief in the middle of a tiring day. My life would be lacking without him here.

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  22. Thinking of you! Hope you're doing well. :)

    Woofs & hugs,

    ~Bailey

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