Here's a lovely piece of writing for the dog people

Ohhhh, that made me weep for all the lovely dogs that have been in my life. All dog people will understand. My Basset, Nell, is lay at my feet, muttering every now and again, and if I move she will give the occasional slurp along my foot just to let me know she's still there. There's nothing like the companionship of a dog.

I know, when. After every dog we have owned has died I've said never again but always changed my mind. I've always had cats and dogs and they have lived harmoniously and have given me happiness in their different ways.

baublesThat made me think of the occasion that Maximum Dog ate a Harrods carrier bag. As you would expect, it was made from a much more substantial plastic than any old flimsy supermarket effort. Of course, we didn't know that was what he had done. When we took him out for his bedtime walk in the little park opposite our house, he disappeared into some bushes and it took us ages to find him just lying down looking a bit sorry for himself. We managed to get him home but in the morning he was in a right state. We took him to the vet who couldn't see anything on the X-ray but reckoned there was some sort of twisting in his gut. He operated and found the aforementioned carrier bag. Maximum came round from his anaesthetic and bounced around in his usual barmy way, slurping water and demanding food with the result that the receptionist and veterinary nurse fell totally in love with him. In spite of having a "zip" the entire length of his tummy, he jumped all over me when I arrived to take him home and set off with great enthusiasm.

Our lovely Border collie Tara rescued from a puppy farm. They said she was a failed sheep herder. But she was so frightened we have come to conclusion she was a barren breeding bitch aged 1 year not house trained and a quivering mess
She did not know how to play or walk on a lead she could not bring herself to even come to you for a fuss. Now 2 years on, agility trained and as daft as a brush, it took care and lots of patience but what a reward! she takes liberties and gives unconditional love in the most enthusiastic way.
If anyone rescues a dog be sure you want to and give them plenty of time it may take a very long time but is worth it.

You are so right mugnanny. My lovely Augustus (known as Oggie Doggie) and glorious Maximum were both rescue dogs that had "issues" but were so loving and faithful.

All the lovely, loving dogs I've had in my life. Each one different, unique in their own special way. They taught me how to love.

The times that I have walked out of the vet's surgery and said to mr.glamma "well that is the last time I am putting myself through that again" having said goodbye to one of our lovely family pets only to find myself giving a home to some other deserving four legged friend soon after.Barney has been with us for nearly 4 yrs now and was so so sad when he arrived he is now mr.glammas shadow and waits for his every move and he seems to be permently attached to mr.glammas heels such a lovely chap.(barney that is )

I can't keep a pet because of my constant travelling, but I borrow Juragran's lovely old dog and cat whenever she goes away! Pudding the cat sleeps on my bed and Gatsby lies at my feet while I surf the net. They are great company!
The odd thing is that I was branded a dog hater on one forum because I said that I didn't think a dog should be in a restaurant kitchen. You would not believe the horrible things some dog lovers said to me - such as that their dog was cleaner than my grandchildren! Another woman said it would be just as great a tragedy if her dog died as if a child died (she had no children). I think they were from the mad outer fringe of dog lovers! I admit to having issues with some dog owners, but I never blame the dog.

Rescued dogs do seem to be extra special, don't they? My Corrie left a huge hole in our hearts when she died even more so than those who went before her. Our current dog is only five years old so she will probably be our last.

The story about Cobber bought back sad memories of the dogs i have lost 3 altogether, always said never again but then along come Rosie a quivering skinny Border Collie who was so scared she would rather wet her bed rather than get out then Tuppence a fat puppy Border Collie who didn't care about anything but food, both have turned out to be loyal family pets.

my beautiful Ellie a black lab with the kind eyes and the kind heart,she is 8 now,and her legs are playing her up and this time of the year she is stiff and somedays in pain,I dread the THE time,Bailey my sons dog has wormed his way into our hearts,he is so affectionate,but he is a dog from a breed that has bad publicity..yes he is a staffie,very protective of us and our home,highly strung,but oh so loving with soft gentle eyes,and my first dog patsy a mongrel,and Tess a golden retriever.... When you wake troubled in the middle of the night you reach out and find a soft velvety ear and a warm lick on your hand as they come and snuggle next to you.....and yes my labs feet smell of popcorn too..

To everyone who has lost a beloved dog - I challenge you to read this article written by Ben Fogle without a tear in your eye and a lump in your throat

www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/9399980/Ben-Fogle-I-owe-everything-to-my-dog-Inca.html

my black lab teddy is almost 10 with the usual labrador lumps otherwise really happy and healthly, whenever I hear a friends dog has died it makes me cry, in a way it is probably because I dread sneezesthe day I lose my boy. on a happier note he makes me laugh first thing in the morning when I am making a fuss of him and he sneezes 3 or 4 times the same thing happens when I return from shopping

my little Rosie king charles we had for 9 years will be 10 next March and I love her so much she is deep in my heart!!

To the extent that I feel way guilty we have today booked another hol for next year and the kennels we use are fantastic just hate leaving her!

can understand how you feel about your lab, just treasure each day!!

We had a chocolate labrador.

Hello Holly,

You are in the garden.

Under a cherry tree.

I will miss you forever.

My lovely Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nahla, was put to sleep last July. I sat on the floor with her head in my lap. The vet suggested I talk to her but I couldn't utter a sound. Nahla kept her trusting eyes fixed on mine until she finally closed them.

The next day I received a sympathy card from the vet and her staff. They had all signed it.

It's the eyes that do it they talk with their eyes.merlot ,am so choked up,and johannathat is simple but beautiful,am now blubbingxxxx
Love to all my doggy lover friends,and our faithful dogs past and presentxxx

yogagran, I read the Ben Fogle article last night and found it very moving, thanks for that.
He expressed so clearly how one feels about ones beloved pets. We have an ageing Lab, full of life but poor hips and at 10. 1/2 yrs, we know the same thing could happen in the future as to Inca. Meanwhile we enjoy plenty of walks with him and our younger " Dubai" dog, inherited from our son on his return to UK!

merloltgran that made me feel all goose pimply!!

Rosie got us up in night (well OH to be honest I slept through) and was scooting round the pation as barked us awake too - so we taking her to vets for check be on safe side, and lovely vet we like is off to NZ AFTER this week u ntil Feb!

Dogs are just here for you and they dont argue or question just total unconditional love!!

I'm really missing having a dog at the moment. It takes a lot of getting over when you lose a member of the family every thirteen years or so though. 'Giving your heart to a dog to tear' as Kipling said.

I know how you feel broomstick. I was without a dog for about 7 or 8 years before I retired, and yearned to have another living with me. My old dogs had died within months of each other, and the children fled the nest, so it wouldn't have been fair to bring a dog home then. Within a month of retiring, I had found a litter and went with my grandson to pick our puppy. She's sitting in front of me, giving me withering looks as I write!

I think we had better wait until my granddaughter is a little older. She's only a toddler, a bit iffy with a new dog.

Yes broomsticks my grandson was 9 when we went to get the puppy, and she was introduced to my other two grandsons when they were nearly 2. She recently met my twin 1 year old grandaughters for the first time. She's an adult dog of 3 now, and very well behaved with children. They'll play with her in a few months, but not just yet. My dog adores all the children - she's very patient and will play gently. It's just her tail that goes wild - swings round like helicopter blades!

Just caught up with this thread again and read Merlot's post - that's so sad, it really brought a lump to my throat. I've been there a few times and it is just so painful

Early last year I lost a special border collie. After a gap of a few months I found the empty house too quiet and was really missing the walks and company, I took on a rescue lab/collie cross who is now turning out to be a delight.