The Dogs We Love

They call them man's best friend. I had often wondered where the phrase came from, "Man's Best Friend". History tells us that dogs have been a companion to men for over 15,000 years. Dogs have shown love and in some instances have saved men from disasters. There are countless stories of dogs saving lives. Most people have stories of their favorite dogs when they were kids.



When I was growing up, the family had Duke. Duke was a long haired collie. Duke wasn't very bright. He was scared of everything and most of the time he would hide under the bed. Anytime we had bad weather, you would find Duke's back and tail sticking out from under the bed. When we let him out into the back yard, he would bark, hoping to scare any wild animals away. We didn't live on a farm, but in Wichita, Kansas. I don't recall seeing any wild animals when growing up. The dog was no Rin Tin Tin or Lassie but Duke was special. He was a great companion and loved everyone in the family. He was the first to greet you when you came home. He would know when you were sad, he would lay by your feet and just be still. Duke was a photo hound. Every time someone brought out a camera Duke would be right in front. Every Christmas tree picture that my dad took had Duke, right in front.



Dad was the official dog washer. He would give Duke a bath in our tub, and then try to carry Duke outside before he shook off the water. Before the bath was over, dad would have more water on him than the dog. Dad did a lot of yard work, and I always remember Duke being by his side. Mom made sure that Duke got his food and water. I remember when mom made dad a sandwich and Duke got it before dad. Dad had to quiet my mother down but I know deep down he was laughing. My sister Pat had a thing about dressing Duke in human clothes. She always pick my clothes to do it with . Duke was a good sport and would let her dress him. My sister Jeanette would watch scary movies with Duke by her side. She felt comfort with Duke near. The truth be told, Duke would run and hide if any danger was near. Duke was a great companion for me. He loved to play ball. Most of the ball playing was me trying to get the ball out of his mouth. Duke was my best friend, he could always sense when I was down about something. He would stay close to me.



Our dog, Duke was definitely part of the family. Duke lived a long time. He got old and sick and we had to put him to sleep.



Most everyone has there memories of their dogs growing up. Jimmy Stewart's poem "Beau" sums it up for all of us.





"Beau"



by Jimmy Stewart



"He never came to me when I would call



Unless I had a tennis ball,



Or he felt like it,



But mostly he didn't come at all.   



When he was young



He never learned to heel



Or sit or stay,



He did things his way.



Discipline was not his bag



But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.



He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me,



And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.



He bit lots of folks from day to day,



The delivery boy was his favorite prey.



The gas man wouldn't read our meter,



He said we owned a real man-eater.



He set the house on fire



But the story's long to tell.



Suffice it to say that he survived



And the house survived as well.



On the evening walks, and Gloria took him,



He was always first out the door.



The Old One and I brought up the rear



Because our bones were sore.



He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on,



What a beautiful pair they were!



And if it was still light and the tourists were out,



They created a bit of a stir.



But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks



And with a frown on his face look around.



It was just to make sure that the Old One was there



And would follow him where he was bound.



We are early-to-bedders at our house--



I guess I'm the first to retire.



And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me



And get up from his place by the fire.



He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs,



And I'd give him one for a while.



He would push it under the bed with his nose



And I'd fish it out with a smile.



And before very long



He'd tire of the ball



And be asleep in his corner



In no time at all.



And there were nights when I'd feel him



Climb upon our bed



And lie between us,



And I'd pat his head.



And there were nights when I'd feel this stare



And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there



And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.



And sometimes I'd feel him sigh

nd I think I know the reason why.



He would wake up at night



And he would have this fear



Of the dark, of life, of lots of things,



And he'd be glad to have me near.



And now he's dead.



And there are nights when I think I feel him

Climb upon our bed and lie between us,



And I pat his head.



And there are nights when I think



I feel that stare



And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,



But he's not there.



Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,



I'll always love a dog named Beau."



My name is Sterling Price and I hope you enjoyed this article. For more informantion about dogs and puppies and how to train them, go to:



http://trainingadog101.com/