Ah love it! Another dog lover. I always thought it’s no coincidence that Muslims hate dogs and consider them impure. It shows their own disconnect from creation / source.
I recently learned 69 Dogs were killed Oct. 7. They filmed one who was happily greeting the unknown terrorists. Their hate extends to our beloved pets. 😢🐶🐱
I once dated a girl who was raised in Iran as a Muslim. Not only did she dislike dogs, but she believed all shoes were contaminated by "dog poop" on their soles.
She wasn't a practicing Muslim herself but reflected Muslim values.
Your statement that Muslims are disconnected from creation resonates with me. Their religion is deeply inhuman, and I don't believe there is a way of reconciling with it.
Yes, and memories of the 15+ pets now in mahogany boxes (ashes) in our library.
A friend of ours reported that as her husband died, the last thing he said to her as he passed over was, “They are here. Our pets are here waiting for me.”
❤️ Dog was my first word and was used to make me smile in baby pics. My mom was terrified of dogs, but folks knew very early I HAD to have one. Sandy, my first. was the cutest, smartest little Pomeranian EVER!! As an adult, I rescued 1 Dobie and later a 2nd. My face is wet just thinking about how much they added to life. Woman's best friend too! WOOF!
A lot of humans could learn a thing or two from dogs. Doggies are wonderful creatures. My wife and I are grandparents to a really lovable Bernadoodle. When our son finishes university and takes him wherever he ends up moving, we’ll be terribly sad.
Oh, this post hit all my feelings. I just had to say goodbye to my precious 13-year-old German shepherd ridgeback mix two weeks ago. He was my heart and soul. There's nothing like the excitement of a dog who's happy to see you after you've been away.
Love this. Our dogs are truly family. I love the old saying, When you have a baby your dog becomes a dog again. When you become an empty nester, your dog becomes your baby. Empty nester here. Vouching for this statement.
Your article struck a chord with me. I was in high school when my dad brought home 2 puppies from work (a co-worker had a litter he was giving away), as a Chanukkah gift to the family. Best Chanukkah present ever! These were the first dogs my family ever had, and I can honestly say they changed my personality, even 45 years later. Made me sillier, for one thing. More sentimental, too. I'm a senior citizen, yet I still talk to dogs in a funny voice, like I'm seeing the world through their eyes. It's great! Plus my kids picked up on it, and also love dogs.
It's amazing how my dad's impulsive decision to grab 2 puppies out of that litter created ripples through decades and 2 generations.
We lost our Pittie/Pointer rescue mix (found on the street in Indianapolis) in March after 12 years. He was the sweetest boy and got us through some very tough times, yet asked little in return. Our ten year old was devastated as he had really been her first friend growing up. Fast forward two months and we decided to find another dog, this time landing a Plott Hound/Pitt mix who was found in a neighborhood in Atlanta - someone had put layers of duct tape around his mouth and he couldn’t eat, drink or defend himself. We’re having some new dog (he’s two years old) teething troubles and we’re a little rusty on adapting to a newbie, but he is just so sweet and loving, which is incredible given his backstory. Dogs put up with so much and ask for the basics in return. It’s probably more than we deserve :) Our old boy Parker on the left and our newbie Yoshi on the right.
Dogs are the absolute best. Their only vice, as you noted, is that they do not live anywhere near long enough. I firmly believe that whenever one of our dogs crosses the rainbow bridge, they take a piece of our heart with them. I'm a longtime basset hound owner--I had them for 22+ years. My last one died right before the Covid pandemic started, and it so broke my heart that I couldn't get another dog for years. You see, my dogs got me through my divorce, as in a world that had suddenly become very uncertain, they loved me no matter what. In any event, in September of last year I was finally ready again and Snickers, a half basset hound/half goldendoodle joined our house. He was supposed to be a shedding-free, 25-30 pound dog. He's now 10 months old, sheds more or less constantly and weighs about 60 pounds. He's the goofiest-looking dog ever--his colouring is like a yellow lab, but his body shape is all basset hound. I already can't imagine life without him.
Your post brought me to tears, as I recalled Winston, who has been gone from my life less than one year. I miss him everyday. My son rescued Winston as a puppy when my son got out of the Active duty Army after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Winston did him a world of good, as my son lived with me trying to figure out his life. He married, had kids, remained in the Army Reserves, moved away with The Stoner (one of several nicknames for Winston), but being a somewhat fearsome (he had the most wonderful smile!) looking Pit/Boxer/Chow mix, and his wife not being a dog person and worried he might harm their one year old toddling daughter (who later learned to love The Winstontonian), he was given to a dog loving family that participated in "Dogs on Deployment," a volunteer group of dog lovers who fostered dogs while their humans were deployed. They knew Winston from previous deployments by my son. Winston took no guff from other dogs and regretably got into a fight with another of their many dogs, almost killing the dog, and so became a fugitive in Kentucky. While under orders to surrender The Wind and the Stone (one of my favorite nicknames for Winston) to be euthanized for nearly killing the other dog, the family drove Winston across several state lines, a fugitive from a death sentence. I had agreed to take Winston for two weeks until my son found another home for him. That is what I told my wife, and at the time I meant it. Those "two weeks" became almost 7 years. We took daily one hour walks, the best parts of each day for both of us. When women would look my way, smile, and say "What a handsome guy," I pretended they might be talking about me. I would tell my wife upon returning from Winston walks that once again a woman flirted with me. My wife would say, "I'm sure they were looking at Winston when they said it." The photo by my name is me and Winston, on my deck, during better times. I miss the Stoner everyday.
Ah love it! Another dog lover. I always thought it’s no coincidence that Muslims hate dogs and consider them impure. It shows their own disconnect from creation / source.
I recently learned 69 Dogs were killed Oct. 7. They filmed one who was happily greeting the unknown terrorists. Their hate extends to our beloved pets. 😢🐶🐱
Yes I know. Monsters 😡
Absolutely!!
I once dated a girl who was raised in Iran as a Muslim. Not only did she dislike dogs, but she believed all shoes were contaminated by "dog poop" on their soles.
She wasn't a practicing Muslim herself but reflected Muslim values.
That’s just sad.
Your statement that Muslims are disconnected from creation resonates with me. Their religion is deeply inhuman, and I don't believe there is a way of reconciling with it.
I think that’s why they ‘destroy’ - and not ‘build’ for the common good. And if they do build for the common good, it’s to destroy the others.
Every word of this!
My babies Teddy (JRT mix) and Mamba (Staffy)
That is adorable.
Whoops the photos seem to have disappeared! I promise I wasn't just randomly telling you their names and breeds
I saw the photos. Don’t know where they’ve gone?
No idea!
😂🙏🏻
Gosh, you made me cry.
Yes, and memories of the 15+ pets now in mahogany boxes (ashes) in our library.
A friend of ours reported that as her husband died, the last thing he said to her as he passed over was, “They are here. Our pets are here waiting for me.”
Oh my gosh. That’s amazing!
Happy tears I hope 🙏🏻
Joyful, thanks for this most wonderful expression of everything DOG. 🦮🐕 🐕🦺
My pleasure. 🤍 🐶
One for a dog lover! https://open.substack.com/pub/abforbes/p/a-display-of-respect-and-love?r=yn8c0&utm_medium=ios
❤️ Dog was my first word and was used to make me smile in baby pics. My mom was terrified of dogs, but folks knew very early I HAD to have one. Sandy, my first. was the cutest, smartest little Pomeranian EVER!! As an adult, I rescued 1 Dobie and later a 2nd. My face is wet just thinking about how much they added to life. Woman's best friend too! WOOF!
Agree with you all the way Brenda!
A lot of humans could learn a thing or two from dogs. Doggies are wonderful creatures. My wife and I are grandparents to a really lovable Bernadoodle. When our son finishes university and takes him wherever he ends up moving, we’ll be terribly sad.
Yes they could Elliot.
Awww....
Listen, due to a very traumatic episode with a childhood pet , I am NOT a dog lover (ditto for cats), but your lovely essay really touched me.
In Hebrew, the word for dog is כֶּלֶב (kelev) from the root כ־ל־ב (k-l-b), meaning “like the heart".
Dogs are all heart. I really understand why people are nuts about them.
Just not in my house! lol
I’m sorry that happened to you.
Oh, this post hit all my feelings. I just had to say goodbye to my precious 13-year-old German shepherd ridgeback mix two weeks ago. He was my heart and soul. There's nothing like the excitement of a dog who's happy to see you after you've been away.
I’m sorry for your loss Heidi.
Love this. Our dogs are truly family. I love the old saying, When you have a baby your dog becomes a dog again. When you become an empty nester, your dog becomes your baby. Empty nester here. Vouching for this statement.
Beautiful ♥️
Your article struck a chord with me. I was in high school when my dad brought home 2 puppies from work (a co-worker had a litter he was giving away), as a Chanukkah gift to the family. Best Chanukkah present ever! These were the first dogs my family ever had, and I can honestly say they changed my personality, even 45 years later. Made me sillier, for one thing. More sentimental, too. I'm a senior citizen, yet I still talk to dogs in a funny voice, like I'm seeing the world through their eyes. It's great! Plus my kids picked up on it, and also love dogs.
It's amazing how my dad's impulsive decision to grab 2 puppies out of that litter created ripples through decades and 2 generations.
I love this. I think growing up with a dog teaches children so many great lessons.
Besides, if it weren't for the dogs in my life, how would I think up all my passwords?
😂😂😂
Doggies are the best!
They really truly are. 🐶
We lost our Pittie/Pointer rescue mix (found on the street in Indianapolis) in March after 12 years. He was the sweetest boy and got us through some very tough times, yet asked little in return. Our ten year old was devastated as he had really been her first friend growing up. Fast forward two months and we decided to find another dog, this time landing a Plott Hound/Pitt mix who was found in a neighborhood in Atlanta - someone had put layers of duct tape around his mouth and he couldn’t eat, drink or defend himself. We’re having some new dog (he’s two years old) teething troubles and we’re a little rusty on adapting to a newbie, but he is just so sweet and loving, which is incredible given his backstory. Dogs put up with so much and ask for the basics in return. It’s probably more than we deserve :) Our old boy Parker on the left and our newbie Yoshi on the right.
Dogs are the absolute best. Their only vice, as you noted, is that they do not live anywhere near long enough. I firmly believe that whenever one of our dogs crosses the rainbow bridge, they take a piece of our heart with them. I'm a longtime basset hound owner--I had them for 22+ years. My last one died right before the Covid pandemic started, and it so broke my heart that I couldn't get another dog for years. You see, my dogs got me through my divorce, as in a world that had suddenly become very uncertain, they loved me no matter what. In any event, in September of last year I was finally ready again and Snickers, a half basset hound/half goldendoodle joined our house. He was supposed to be a shedding-free, 25-30 pound dog. He's now 10 months old, sheds more or less constantly and weighs about 60 pounds. He's the goofiest-looking dog ever--his colouring is like a yellow lab, but his body shape is all basset hound. I already can't imagine life without him.
Your post brought me to tears, as I recalled Winston, who has been gone from my life less than one year. I miss him everyday. My son rescued Winston as a puppy when my son got out of the Active duty Army after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Winston did him a world of good, as my son lived with me trying to figure out his life. He married, had kids, remained in the Army Reserves, moved away with The Stoner (one of several nicknames for Winston), but being a somewhat fearsome (he had the most wonderful smile!) looking Pit/Boxer/Chow mix, and his wife not being a dog person and worried he might harm their one year old toddling daughter (who later learned to love The Winstontonian), he was given to a dog loving family that participated in "Dogs on Deployment," a volunteer group of dog lovers who fostered dogs while their humans were deployed. They knew Winston from previous deployments by my son. Winston took no guff from other dogs and regretably got into a fight with another of their many dogs, almost killing the dog, and so became a fugitive in Kentucky. While under orders to surrender The Wind and the Stone (one of my favorite nicknames for Winston) to be euthanized for nearly killing the other dog, the family drove Winston across several state lines, a fugitive from a death sentence. I had agreed to take Winston for two weeks until my son found another home for him. That is what I told my wife, and at the time I meant it. Those "two weeks" became almost 7 years. We took daily one hour walks, the best parts of each day for both of us. When women would look my way, smile, and say "What a handsome guy," I pretended they might be talking about me. I would tell my wife upon returning from Winston walks that once again a woman flirted with me. My wife would say, "I'm sure they were looking at Winston when they said it." The photo by my name is me and Winston, on my deck, during better times. I miss the Stoner everyday.