The great thing about dogs is that they aren’t human.
Dogs don’t worry about showing their vulnerabilities.
They will go the extra mile to show how much they need you.
Dogs will make fools out of themselves, just to stay beside you.
We humans, however, are prideful creatures. We try not to appear needy.
Waiting for his family to walk through the door...
I think the world would be a better place,
if humans acted more like dogs.
Still waiting...
If you are lucky enough to have a dog fall in love with you,
there is never any question in your mind that they adore you.
I think that’s one reason why it is so hard to say goodbye to them.
Just last week, our family had to say goodbye to Riley.
He had osteosarcoma – a bone cancer that is common to his breed.
Riley, pictured above as a puppy, belonged to my brother’s family.
He was the first Irish Wolfhound we met. At first, we were stunned by his size.
Then we were impressed with his character. All he ever wanted to do was love his family.
Perhaps that is the greatest lesson our dogs teach us:
Do everything you can to show your family you love them.
Because that’s all we really want… to know we are loved.
What an important gift to give (and receive) every day.
Lynn Kellan is a romance novelist devoted to finding the love and the funny in every story. Her novella will be available in 2012, but she is always here to focus on the lighter side of life. 
"You make me start my day with a smile!" from Ravit
{ 14 comments }
So true my friend, people should act more like dogs, in the good sense at least. I think that’s why it’s been so hard to get another dog. We had to say goodbye to our lab/mix last year and it was hard. Dogs are loyal to the end. Sorry about your family’s loss. They really do become part of the family.
Sending BIG HUGS!
Kim
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This photo is really cute..Thanks for sharing this to us…I love dogs..
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Having lost two dogs too soon to hemangiosarcoma and having known another Irish Wolfhound who was taken too soon from his family by osteosarcoma I know how hard it must have been to say goodbye to Riley. I say “too soon” even though I know that, for you and me and everyone else who’s ever truly loved and been loved by a dog it doesn’t matter how long they live–they always go too soon.
And I agree completely that the world would be better if people were more like dogs. We all want to know we are loved, but dogs are also willing, at any time, to tell us they love us unconditionally, and all they want is to be loved in return. Thank you for making me think of that.
Sorry to hear abt Riley, my thoughts and heart go out to your family.
So sorry about Riley. Indeed, nothing like the unconditional love we get from dogs, we have much to learn from them:)
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Oh no! I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, and pray that you will find comfort in your happy memories of Riley. I’ve always believed that Heaven holds a special place for God’s creatures.
I’m so sorry about Riley. I’m glad he brought you happy memories….
I’m also glad my son is like a dog. =)
Sherry Turner´s last [type] ..Andrew’s birthday invitation
Breaks my heart. At least he thought you the most important lesson of all… RIP Riley. Thank you for the lesson.
catherine lucas´s last [type] ..How many photographs can I blog
so sorry to hear about Riley…I enjoyed seeing pics of him and was not expecting this message as I was reading todays blog. I hope you and your family can find some comfort in his wonderful memories.
Now you’ve made me cry. I’m so, so, sorry about Riley. You are right on all counts – the world would be a better place if people were more like dogs and you are blessed if a dog falls in love with you. What an unconditional and forgiving love they give. I didn’t know about osteosarcoma but I hate it. I love the picture of the little dog sniffing Riley and him gazing his eyes upwards at the pup. Adorable. I know how much you all will miss him. Just try to remember all the sweet memories. So sorry:(
I love this picture..The two dogs are really cute and they look like adorable..Thanks for sharing this post to us..
Gracie´s last [type] ..Payment Protection Insurance
I have lost some pets over the years and understand the heartbreak. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Omg i love your dogs!
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Oh, Lynn – what a lovely message. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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