Can't We All

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Fluke in 2009

Fluke will be 10 years old this year...I have no idea where the last 10 years have gone. So the plan for Fluke is to no longer chase after that third utility leg and to chase after the things that make him happiest...fun agility, ten ball retrieves in the field and jumping into the pool and oh yeah cuddle time. Tonight Fluke went to Stella's agility class because Stella is in heat so she could not attend. He was so happy to see agility equipment...mind you the last time he was on agility equipment was exactly one year ago and before that it was several years ago. Gone was the dog who stresses at the clicky clank of those damn scent articles and in front of me was my wild-eyed smiling puppy! He never forgets how to do agility...,just amazes me. The surface is perfect for jumping - it's just soft dirt so barely any impact. The teacher said he sure didn't move like he is ten! Right now he is snoring happily across my bed. My one true regret with him is never showing him in agility. Tonight reminded me to make sure we do an agility run every so often and keep him happy! He is such a GREAT dog!

Sticks and Talk to the Paw

The Labs love sticks...so much so that they tend to snap the sticks right off the plants! This is Fluke thinking I can't see him as he is about to take a stick.
I was trying to get a picture of Luna and I and she clearly told me to "talk to the paw"!

"Just A Dog"

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."

by Richard Biby

Partners

"You need to be the master, but with him not as the slave, but rather your willing partner." - Tim Dorrance

Horoscope

Quickie
Stop thinking so much about tomorrow and start living in the moment today!

Overview
If you've got pets, now is a great time to spend time with them or to confirm that their health is where it should be. If not, you may feel a bit of pressure to get one in the near future.

I guess I should shut off the computer and go play with my dogs!

Something to think about

What word(s) would you use to define yourself? If you were to complete this sentence I am__________________. Now think about the word you picked ... will it matter in the future? Some of us define ourselves by what we do, how we look or what we have. What is most important to you? How do you look at others? Just something to think about.

Horoscope...interesting

Quickie
Staying on the same path is a mistake for you, so take a more unfamiliar path today.

Overview
Live the way you want to live, at least for the day. It's a good time for you to share your feelings with someone close, as long as they more or less agree with your wilder ideas and plans.

Happy New Year

Nothing prettier than a black labrador retriever in the white snow!