Growing up we always have had dogs with us. My grandmother raised poodles and rescued & rehomed stray dogs. I tended them and enjoyed them, but never felt a true affinity until much later in my life that one special dog found me. I met a six month old dog who was being rehomed because he was too aggressive. His spunkiness turned into medicine and motivation during my growth.
Do I think of him as an animal? No, more a champion a companion. A partner. He has now grown old but hope we have many more years together.Sadly their life cycles are shorter than ours but now in my mind most precious and to be valued highly.I do love my family, and must confess that I consider my dog as my friend not over or above but an integral part and personage who will leave a great space in my heart when they are gone from this world.
And this is my best friend Duke.