Chapter 6: Old Dogs

Loyal, dependable, non judgmental, my life is richer with you in it, I have learned so much from you.

For the past 17 years this little guy has been hanging with me. This guy has eaten coconuts on the beaches of Rio and has seen me through the good times and the bad.

I like to imagine that he understands what I tell him, I wish I could speak dog to really know what he thinks.

I have been away from home for going on 2 weeks, I talk to my wife and daughter daily, FaceTime is a game changer.

My old dog sits by the door every day waiting for me to come home. I miss my family, but man, I miss my dog.

It is truly remarkable how the relationship between human and canine has come to be. It is amazing how these little creatures imprint on us and enrich our lives so much.

I decided to take a moment and thank my old dog, Harry, for being such an amazing friend. I know he will never read this, but he had made this life story so great.

As I write this chapter in a coffee shop I am overcome by emotion, snot running and tears flowing. I am sure the other patrons are looking at me like……

That’s the beauty of dogs, they don’t judge us, they just love.

I love seeing working dogs. From war dogs to retrievers, the relationship between owner and animal is nothing short of miraculous. It is so cool to see how society has welcomed our canine friends and accepted that they are part of the family.

I don’t think the human story would be complete without paying tribute to the animals that have enriched our lives.

We are early enough in the story to get a little emotional, who did not cry when they read Ole Yeller?

Let us raise a toast to the dogs of this world. Let us learn from them to become better friends, more loyal and to fiercely protection of our families.

I dedicate this chapter to my dogs.

Thank you for reading.