On a monument outside a courthouse in Missouri is recorded one of the most moving statements ever made about the abiding love of a dog. It was made in the nineteenth century by George Graham Vest. These are the words Senator Vest spoke:
The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. A
man's son and daughter. whom he has reared with loving care, may become ungrateful. Those
who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good
name, may turn their backs on us. The money that a man has he may lose.
A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action. The
people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be
the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.
The only absolutely unselfish friend a man may have in this selfish world, the one
that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous,
is his dog.
A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty; in health and sickness. He will
sleep on the cold ground, when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only
he can be near his master's side.
He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores
that come to his masters hands from the roughness of the world. He guards the
sleep of a pauper as if he were a prince.
When all other friends desert us, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation
falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the
heavens.
If fate drives the master forth as an outcast into the world, friendless and homeless, the
faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against
danger, to fight against his enemies.
And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and
his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends go on about their
way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found ~ His head between his paws and
his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness ~ faithful and true even to death.
The Love that you receive from your pet is as Unconditional and Sacred as it gets. A
gift that is for you and you alone. Cherish and Honor that Love.
Remember to Return that Love at every opportunity you can.
~ From: "Dogs Never Lie About Love" by Jeffry Moussaieff Mason ~
|
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
