It’s interesting that needs, trust and loyalty are all intermixed with a good human and dog relationship. I’ve often thought that raising a dog is like raising a child–a lot of responsibility to do it well. But there are the rewards.

I’ve got a English Springer Spaniel who is now in his fourteenth year, and pretty much on his last legs. The past year has been filled with many of his health problems which demand choices concerning whether or not to keep him “going on.” However, each day we just start over. Yes, I help him up alot, assist his eating with a wooden spoon most of the time, and fortunately the winter snows and cold have held off longer here in upstate New York. We live on a farm, so we get out and about several times a day. He’s always been ready to go, and loves to poke around outside. But I keep our sorties short, as he tires and heads back to the farmhouse.

Today, I was reviewing photos of past years of our time together–in the woods, swimming, and just soaking up the outdoors. Interesting that I would come across this blog for the first time, and find your story.

Thanks!

As Chief Seattle, leader of the Suquamish Indian tribe, is said to have said, “Where would man be without the beasts? He would die from a great loneliness of spirit.”

Granted, dogs and cats, domesticated as they are, do not exactly qualify as “beasts.” But they certainly soothe our spirit.

A great story, beautifully told. Many thanks.

Specifically in reply to Linda: I am indeed British, and lived in London for twenty years, but now am happily in the north of Scotland.

You kindly ask about the books I have written: I would try Elvis Has Left the Building and Nothing to Lose, both of which you can get from Amazon.co.uk, or ABE books online.

Thanks again,

Tania.

Do you live in London now? Isn’t it odd, you have a British sound in your writing. That was my first thought when I read it.

What books have you written and where can I find them?

Thank you,
Linda