Letter from the editor
What a time to be alive for a dog. Most of these beloved family pets are living in Heaven on Earth.
When I was a kid, a dog was a dog and the pups of the family were considered lucky if they ever even entered the house. My first dog, Rusty, was tied to a tree adjacent to his nice dog house where he resided most of the time. That was the way the average family dog lived in the 1970s.
Our first indoor dog, Tonya, joined our family in the 1980s. She definitely lived a more pampered lifestyle than Rusty. Tonya was welcomed in the house, permitted she stayed on the floor.
Our German Shepherd, Ashley, stole my father’s heart in the 1990s and got away with more than Tonya or Rusty ever did.
30 years later, dogs these days are living in doggy paradise. My mother’s dog, Itty-Bit, has a more expansive wardrobe than I do, complete with a raincoat and nightgown!
Bob and I have three dogs of our own. No one loves me like my dogs do. My canine trio follows me everywhere, vying for my attention, and always eager to play. Every day, my pups greet me with pure joy that only a dog has the ability to exude.
Some say I spoil my dogs. Everyday, I take them swimming in our pool. It’s the highlight of their day as they race to plunge into the water after a tennis ball. All of their favorite treats and all natural dog food, with no preservatives, are home delivered. A couple times per week, they go to the lake or park. They have also become regulars over the years at “dog beach.” As our busy days come to an end, each of my babies have their own special spot on my couch.
As much as I spoil my pups, others put me to shame.
Have you seen the new strollers or doggie carts that people are pushing their pups around in? Doggy fashion is at an all time high as more and more dogs are sporting scarves, sweaters, and more. Handmade gourmet treats, spa-like grooming treatment, Pupuccinos, and trips to doggy bakeries are just a few of the ways our dogs are living their best lives.
Recently I saw on the news that some cities even have doggie food trucks, just in case pooch has a craving for an ice cream! Okay, that one takes it a little too far for me.
I am happy to see the shift and I truly believe we are just scratching the surface of how helpful dogs can be. Veterans, those with illnesses and disabilities, along with those suffering from loneliness experience an abundance of benefits from their true blues.
When my grandmother passed, I witnessed the deepest sadness I had ever seen in my mother. She lacked purpose and joy until she rescued a dog to keep her company. Itty-Bit, my mother’s beloved pup, changed her life. She may have rescued Itty-Bit but the truth is, Itty-Bit also rescued my mother.
The unconditional love and loyalty that Itty-Bit gave my mom offered her a reason to keep going and a reason to keep moving. Now in her 80s, mom takes her precious Itty-Bit for a daily walk knowing that her dog is counting on her to show up.
Our dogs are our best friends. More and more people with autism, PTSD, anxiety and so much more are reaping the rewards of the unconditional love of a dog. We may give our dogs more than ever before but they continue to do the same for us.
Peace
& Love,
Cindy
