“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”
Profound words from Groucho Marx, there. I have many books, but they did not get me through this rather grim year. The constants, this Summer, were four-legged. My dogs have remained unchanged throughout the highs and lows of a roller coaster set of life changes.
And I’d like, officially, to thank them.
Macaulay, the emotiophobe, who, every time I begin to look upset gets up and potters off to find some quiet unsentimental backwater in which to snore; and Freddie, the great black saxon hellhound, a barometer for hurt, one who arrives when one is down with huge eyes, a vast cuddlable expanse of rippling black fur, and a propensity to sing in sympathy.
Here they are, loving the Summer I hated: I give you, The Dogs.
Kate Shrewsday 
It’s going on 1:00 a.m. and here I sit when I should have been asleep long ago. That allows a peek into your very early morning, however, so I’m happy for it and I’ll just snooze a bit later before starting my Monday. No one will care. I’m so glad that you’ve had these loving “Constants” to help you through your summer, and I hope that your autumn and winter will be a mite easier, one day at a time. Hugs.
Thanks Karen, hugs hit home this morning 🙂 As one who seems to be seeing a lot of the night time hours at the moment, thank you for spending some of yours with me xx
I cannot imagine my life without Sashi. She’s 85 pounds of happy, wiggling, licking mutt and she makes me feel better no matter what. Every day she offers up her personal brand of puppy therapy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have another dog too, but she’s old and grumpy and not a very nice dog. My bf had her years before we got together. She acts like I’m her evil stepmother.
Hello Deb, thank you for reading and commenting today 🙂 Sashi sounds great. puppy therapy is right: they make us feel better, even on the darkest day, don’t they?
Yes! She’s always there to try and make me smile, or worst case, to stop my tears. ❤
I am not sure if I could choose between books and dogs, but I could not live without mine! Big hugs to you 🙂
Thanks for the hugs, Tandy. Books and dogs, books and dogs…. I know. An impossible choice. Best have both.
If everyone let themselves go to the dogs, the world would be a better place. From the extremes you have of, ‘C’mon, get over yourself,’ to, ‘Oh, you poor thing!’.
Quite. Couldn’t have put it better, Col. The dogs have it all.
Comforting how are pets, more than pets – companions, can be such rocks in times of our discomfort. And those eyes! I love Freddie’s eyes. So deep. Oh that people cared that much.
And by the way, I still miss your podcasts of Macaulay the dog stories. He seems the court jester – always playing the fool, but far wiser than he would have anyone believe.
Very sorry for you bad summer / year. I feel for you, truly.
Cheers Michael. I shall probably re-record – the podcasts fell by the wayside as life got more hectic. He is indeed a wise hound.
Thanks for your kind words. Life happens.
Books take focus which sometimes doesn’t happen. Pets provide distraction. My cats have carried me through many dark times and I am grateful for that.
Cats do a wonderful job of curling up on the bed close by and providing a warm, vibrant presence, don’t they, Kate?
Yes and the purrs are so soothing.
Your dogs exude exuberance! A curiosity and enthusiasm which we do well to emulate. Peace.
Cheers Nancy. I could sure do with some.
Hooray for our animals. Peace on your heart.
Thanks Barb 🙂
I’m a bit late to the party but I can agree with everyone, dogs really are man’s and woman’s best friend. Not sure why your summer has been so grotty but whatever it is, I hope it has improved.
Thanks Sophia. Full story here: https://kateshrewsday.com/2015/08/31/all-change-going-solo/
I am so glad you have had the dogs through it all, and also for your (as usual) lovely way of telling the story. Perhaps dogs are given us just to show us the preciousness of being in one moment at the time? Just not trying to carry the moments yet to come or carry again everything we have been through in our lives? Or perhaps just to show us the right perspective, enjoying some simple basics to the full? At least for some moments….
I think all of the above are true, Solveig. Their outlook is immediate and refreshing. Lovely boys.
btw – You have an Honourable Mention.
https://colonialist.wordpress.com/2015/10/04/movers-and-shakers-a-modern-concept/
Thank you so much Col! What an honour! I’ve popped over and left a message. The poem is quite fabulous.
The poem certainly appealed to me – so profound in its relative simplicity.
Everyone should have a hellhound. 🙂
They should. So good for stories.
So impressive to one’s adversaries. 🙂
I love your pooches, Kate! And they’re both so photogenic! There have been times when I’ve been at a low point where I could sorely use canine companionship, but that only comes my way when I cross country and visit Thurber. He’s a world-class cuddler.
I love hearing about Thurber, Virginia. These creatures wriggle under our skin: and it’s always safe to let them in because they’re generally totally, utterly trustworthy.
Thank God for dogs…dear Mac and loving Freddie. So happy that you have them in your life. Someday you must meet Jack, who made cheating on the cats a breeze. 😉
I would love that 🙂 How do the cats feel about Jack? What breed is he?
Where is the “love” button? I need something stronger than “like”.
Cheers Ruth. They are total stars.
🙂
You captured the very essence of empathy in their sweet faces and soulful eyes! I know they are comfort! And how wonderful that you pay them tribute and remind us how our animals are constant when life shifts and we lose our sense of stability. If they had a good summer it’s because you were there for them. You can be proud of that. I wish I could just hug the whole lot of you! ox
You know what, Kate? those eyes of Mac and what looks like steely determination have given me all the get-up-and-go I need to move on with my day just looking at their images. I can imagine the resolve and comfort they must have been, and will be, for you in this hellish summer you have had. Lots of hugs and thoughts sailing across the big pond to you, Kate.
Those are two happy dogs. Maggie always puts a smile on my face when I arrive home after work. Fortunately for me, Maggie knows when I’m down and will do something to brighten my mood. Sounds like Freddie is a good friend.