“The faithful dog – why should I strive

 To speak his merits, while they live

In every breast, and man’s best friend

Does often at his heels attend.”

The New-York Literary Journal, Volume 4, 1821

On the day of my puppy dog’s 7th birthday, I am inspired to chat about Man’s Best Friend. The following words come from a summation speech given by an attorney representing a man who was suing for damages after his dog, Old Drum, was shot and killed: “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.” (1870 Warrensburg, Missouri, George Graham Vest).

How many of us can say they have or had a dog who helped them get through some really tough times? I know I can! They know when we are happy. They know when we are sad, sick, angry, and had a tough day. They can sense our emotions and feed off our moods. Dogs have a brand of loyalty that is very unique. Dogs are used in therapeutic situations and to comfort the terminally ill. We hear stories of how families have been saved by their dogs when their homes caught fire. You’ve all heard this one: A family dog gets displaced from his or her family on a vacation and miraculously makes its way all the way back home to his or her family on their own. It’s a connection that amazes all. The connection to their human family through their senses is incredible. Their expressions are mesmerizing at times.

Dogs have incredibly expressive eyes. I often wonder what Maddie is thinking when she looks at me with her big, brown eyes. I often think how great it would be if she could speak English… what great things she would have to say! Recently, Maddie lost two of her best friends. The sadness that her eyes showed was heartbreaking. When she is happy her eyes light up like a Christmas tree. You can see all of her moods and intentions in her eyes. Does she want to play, go to bed, go outside to lounge around, go outside to go potty, snuggle? What kind of mood is she in? Her eyes tell all.

Your dog’s manners are a reflection of you. And your manners may well influence how others see your puppy. I was brought up in a family that insisted on proper manners. This included everything from the dinner table to calling adults Mr. or Mrs. to using Aunt or Uncle when addressing your relatives. Please and thank you were, and still are, a must. We said grace before family dinners. My friends and family can attest that my Maddie has manners. She says her prayers, says grace, yes please, yes ma’am. She does not beg for food at the dinner table. (Yes, I am bragging just a bit about my four legged child!) When I tell her to focus, her eyes are glued on me ready for what I am about to say. I have taught Maddie proper manners as I would my own child. I am someone who loves to have fun with my friends and family. I am a very active outdoors person. Likewise, Maddie is a very playful, fun loving dog. She loves the water (as do I). She loves to run (as do I). She loves fire pit movie night (as do I). She loves children (as do I). Yes, she is a reflection of me and my world.

So, on this day I celebrate the birthday of my puppy dog. I can’t imagine the past seven years without her. Maddie and I have been through so much together, good and bad. She has helped me and I have helped her. Maddie is my absolute best friend! Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!