That adorable picture of Sparky sparked me into writing some of my ideas about dogs and I hope to hear from others.
My best friend for almost 15 years was Sophie a grey Standard Poodle. She was not only smart but acutely aware and fully bonded to me. She actually picked me and who was I to refuse. I visited the breeder and met a littler of maybe 8 puppies. They all greeted me during their play with one exception. One little girl seems to be aloof and showed no interest. That was Sophie. She waited until all the other pups were done and walked over sat on my lap and looked directly into my eyes. A short while later she was on my lap on the long drive home. We were joined at the hip" for the rest of her life. She died of an inoperable mediastinal tumor. I know she was in pain but she wanted to be there for me. The day before she died she let me know that as much as she wanted to be with me, the pain was too much. If I meet her (sure hope to) in another life I hope she will confirm this.
I am convinced that Sophie knew about my PC before anyone else. She was never a crotch oriented dog but she paid unusual attention to my crotch. She sniffed and snorted often. If I had taken her advise I might not have gone metastatic. This was well before my diagnosis.
My now best friend is Saffron (Saffie) a saffron colored Poodle who has now gone apricot. She was a gift from my Husband and two sisters after my diagnosis. Saffie is a great dog but I doubt I will ever have the same amazing relationship I had with Sophie. Saffie does seem to love me and will cuddle and comfort me and is almost as attached as Sophie but I think that the bond with Sophie was a one of a kind. Saffie did not pick me
There is strong evidence that people who live with dogs are healthier and happier than those who do not. I can't imagine, nor would I want to be in a world without dogs. I know several "cat people" and they love their cats but I don't understand why they don't want the best
Thank you Sparky for setting me off on this.