Dog, man's best friend. How do they do it? They come into our lives and bring so much joy. Truly dogs are another gift from God. I have had several dogs in my life. All with different personalities. All have served as great companions. There is never a dull moment when you are a dog owner.
When I was very young my parents had a black and silver German Shepherd named Gretchen. This dog was a gift from my father to my mother. There is not bigger dog lover than my mom. If memory serves, Gretchen became my dog. I mean that the dog was smart enough to know that my dad was her master and mom was the hands that fed, but Gretchen and I were pals. I don't remember much of this time of my life without her. She was with me anytime I was at home. Maybe we needed each other. I do remember that Gretchen was my protector. My parents couldn't even punish me (spanking) if the dog was in the room. Gretchen would not allow it. Haha! Maybe that's why I wouldn't let her out of my sight.
As I got older years after we had lost Gretchen, dad brought home another German Shepherd. An all white Shepherd named Maggie. This dog was nuts. I mean the most hyper dog I have ever seen. Maggie had some wires crossed and was never as obedient as Gretchen but just a loyal. When I was about 11 or 12 years old Maggie was run over by a truck in my neighborhood and passed away a couple of hours later. It was devastating to watch that happen and to beat it all my parents were not home. Maggie was the last dog in my life for a long time. So long in fact my next dog didn't come until I was a father.
I brought home a black lab mix. Mixed with what...I have no idea. However, Princess Shadow was about 6 weeks old and was smaller than an Nerf football. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She was dropped off at a vet clinic in Irvine KY. I was there working and the Doctor noticed that I was taken back by her and asked me if I wanted her. She had no home and if someone didn't take her they would have to take her to the pound. Well enough said. I brought her home...without permission. When Tammy saw Shadow she said "Awwwe, We can't keep her". That lasted about 3 days. Tammy and Shadow bonded and we had her for 13 years. Now, of all the dogs in my life this one was the one. I mean we were like peas in a pod. Shadow and I were as close as any human and dog can be. Losing her at the ripe old age was devastating. Other than Tammy, Shadow was my best friend. Tammy and I cried for days. How can a stupid dog tear us up like that? Brutal! I swore off dogs forever. Never again did I want to feel the pain of losing that family member. I think I'm a little choked up now just thinking about her.
Then along comes Skittles. If we had named her she might have been Pork Chop. Skittles a pit bull mix, came to us from a neighbor that had no way of caring for her and no one wanted her. Skittles is Tammy's dog. I mean all the dog wants to do is be with Tammy. Skittles is big. I mean she isn't tall but she is thick. Strongest dog I have ever seen..and fast. I can't believe how quick/fast this dog is. When it comes to being friendly, this dog is amazingly lovable. She is not a big fan of other dogs, cats, groundhogs, squirrels or basically any other animal but she sure loves people. I really didn't want to keep her coming off my 13 year run with Shadow but I am glad we did. Skittles makes Tammy and I laugh every day. So here I am again in love with a stupid dog that will one day rip my heart out. I guess its worth it.
If you have never had a dog then you can't even imagine what you are missing. Everyone should have at least one in their lifetime. If you do have a dog maybe you could spend a few extra minutes with him or her today and play. All that dog wants is to please you so make sure you let'em know that you are pleased.
DOG is GOD backwards. Spelled either way is love!
Coach Bale
