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

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..

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.

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.

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.

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 )

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.