Man's Best Friend

I've always loved dogs, and in one capacity or another, I don't think there has been a moment in my life that I have not either owned a dog or someone close to me have one. They have always been a part of my life. When my last dog Peaches died (may she rest in peace) the next day we went out and got our new one Teddy. By the way he is a Shepard/Boarder Collie mix.

Mankind has always had this affinity for dogs, because as a pet, well actualy there is the problem, they are not really a pet, they are a member of your family. They fill a roll that no other animal can. True, cats are very common, and yes I do have one so I know what I am talking about, Cats are not a member of your family, nor are they really friends, cats are opritunists, and basicaly you are there to serve them.

A dog on they other hand does become a part of the family, so much so that it is universaly accepted that it is man's best friend. In some cases it is his only true friend. Why do I say this? Because I have seen it happen. People change, it's an inalianable truth. The people you befriended years ago will not be the same people a few years hence. Their circumstances change, their values, their personality. Many times they meet others, and you just don't fit in, and something has to give. In the end your friends may evaporate. Not so with a dog. Treat him well and he will be your friend for life. He'll excitedly greet you every day. He will love you unconditionaly, in good times and bad. He encompases the best that we want to be. If only people could be as true as that.

It is no wonder that Byron penned these following words to his dog, if only we could live up to them.

Near this Spot

are deposited the Remains of one

who possessed Beauty without Vanity,

Strength without Insolence,

Courage without Ferosity,

and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery

if inscribed over human Ashes,

is but a just tribute to the Memory of

BOATSWAIN, a DOG.