Beautiful Manon, beautiful words. I can't read enough about our magical inter-species relationship with dogs and loved this so much, Richard. Last year I discovered and was touched by Danny Trejo words, “We brought dogs into our fire, and they are our responsibility.” So true. The love they bring is pure bliss.
Lovely piece, Rich! You've id'd so many truths about owning and loving a dog. My Stella (a mostly golden retriever, of blessed memory) -- also a rescue, who arrived mostly skin and bones -- shared Manon's fear of her food bowl. We had to move away from the bowl before she'd tentatively approach and then gobble it all down. We were pretty sure she had been abused in some relation to feeding and eating. She settled into our house, became a blonde beauty and lived a "good" life for 10 more happy years. My favorite line in your piece is ""When you give a dog a home, you give yourself a home as well." Original, insightful, true! And who knows, Richie, these current companions may outlive us all!
Oh, that beautiful Manon! We have a bumper sticker that says, " Who rescued whom?" You are so right about how fulfilling it is to share a home with animals, particularly a dog. Seeing the world through their eyes/nose reconnects us to Nature.
Two thoughts: first, our now-departed schnauzers, Lilly and Zelig, paid no mind to squirrels until they saw one bury a pecan in the backyard. After the squirrel left, they investigated and dug it up. They took turns chomping the pecan until it was eaten. After that, they watched where nuts were buried, never barking at the squirrel, but digging up the pecan for snack time.
Secondly, I saw the 1986 version of Manon of the Spring, part of a trilogy. A very touching story.
My ten-year-old daughter received a puppy two years ago. I am just “grandma,” but I love when she will wedge herself beside me in the mornings when I am writing. Dogs, like babies, truly bring such joy to a home!
Wonderful to read. To remember Wedel 1 and 2 and Lucy, the best of black labs. Eric and Sarah's all with Australian Shepard or Blue Heeler genes: Webster, Sky Sky the fastest and smartest; low-to-the-ground Ruthie, not fast, but wise. like Sarah. Thanks for the photos.
Beautiful Manon, beautiful words. I can't read enough about our magical inter-species relationship with dogs and loved this so much, Richard. Last year I discovered and was touched by Danny Trejo words, “We brought dogs into our fire, and they are our responsibility.” So true. The love they bring is pure bliss.
Thanks, Marnie! Dogs rule!
Good girl, Manon.
That was so lovely! Captured the joy and pain of having a pet. Loved it
Thank you, Linda.
Wonderful. I love the line "When you give a dog a home, you give yourself a home as well."
Thanks, Kaylene!
“When you give a dog a home, you give yourself a home as well.” Such a beautiful thought!
Thanks, Janna.
Lovely piece, Rich! You've id'd so many truths about owning and loving a dog. My Stella (a mostly golden retriever, of blessed memory) -- also a rescue, who arrived mostly skin and bones -- shared Manon's fear of her food bowl. We had to move away from the bowl before she'd tentatively approach and then gobble it all down. We were pretty sure she had been abused in some relation to feeding and eating. She settled into our house, became a blonde beauty and lived a "good" life for 10 more happy years. My favorite line in your piece is ""When you give a dog a home, you give yourself a home as well." Original, insightful, true! And who knows, Richie, these current companions may outlive us all!
Happy New Year to Gaywynn and you!
Thank you, Jane! We love our dogs! Happy New Year to you, too!
Oh, that beautiful Manon! We have a bumper sticker that says, " Who rescued whom?" You are so right about how fulfilling it is to share a home with animals, particularly a dog. Seeing the world through their eyes/nose reconnects us to Nature.
Indeed, it does!
Such a loving portrait of a gentle friend. I used to whisper "squirrel" to my corgi, and Robin Goodfellow would exploded out the door.
Haha! Those two could have some adventures together!
Lovely piece. I’d love to meet Manon some day.
Come on down!
Wait what? She catches squirrels!??!
My dog (actually my grandson's dog) ate an entire bowl of apple crisp today--before her humans even got to taste it.
My sister's dog ate her purse. Twice.
Two thoughts: first, our now-departed schnauzers, Lilly and Zelig, paid no mind to squirrels until they saw one bury a pecan in the backyard. After the squirrel left, they investigated and dug it up. They took turns chomping the pecan until it was eaten. After that, they watched where nuts were buried, never barking at the squirrel, but digging up the pecan for snack time.
Secondly, I saw the 1986 version of Manon of the Spring, part of a trilogy. A very touching story.
Smart dogs!
Touching. So much love in this short story. You know the way to ewaken the best in your readers. At least, it’s how I feel now. Thank you, Richard.
Marina
Thank you, Marina!
My ten-year-old daughter received a puppy two years ago. I am just “grandma,” but I love when she will wedge herself beside me in the mornings when I am writing. Dogs, like babies, truly bring such joy to a home!
Don't they!
Wonderful to read. To remember Wedel 1 and 2 and Lucy, the best of black labs. Eric and Sarah's all with Australian Shepard or Blue Heeler genes: Webster, Sky Sky the fastest and smartest; low-to-the-ground Ruthie, not fast, but wise. like Sarah. Thanks for the photos.
Glad you enjoyed this, Judy!
Fantastic, Richard. Comme toujours ! You articulate so beautifully what most of us feel and experience living with a dog. Merci.
Thanks, Olivier, for words. I really appreciate them.