If I didn't have a dog . . .

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair.

When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel and I could get to the door without wading through a fuzzy body who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space a big fur body would need to get comfortable.

I would not be on a first-name basis with the veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

I would not talk 'baby talk'. 'Eat your din din'. 'Yummy yummy for the tummy'...

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like treats.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, G-O...

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog ties them down too much.

I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have an animal?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How EMPTY my life would be!!!

original poem at:
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/poetry/138308-if-i-didnt-have-dog.html

WHAT A DAY!

I just came in from the ripping around the backyard in the snow and having a big time. Now I am trying to take a nap, but Dad is hogging the sofa and I can't stretch clear out! SIGH! I got in big trouble again. I have been chewing on my nylon bones, rawhide, rubber toys and the big NO NO, furniture. Today, I chewed a corner off of the wainscoating in the dining room. Boy, talk about trouble. Dad is fixing it, but I am grounded. Mom wondered why I was chewing so much more all of a sudden, so she looked in my mouth and I have several teeth that have just popped thru the gum. One behind my fangs. Mom didn't know I would be cutting teeth at 10 months. Are any of you puppies out there cutting teeth too? Well, maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Sure hope so!

10 Ways to Say Happy Valentine's Day

10. Post a "Save Me in Emergency" sticker on your home so rescue personnel know they are there in case of fire or other emergency.

9. Pick out a new collar and matching lead in new colors for spring.

8. Wash all their stinky doggie blankets and stuff toys. Everyone likes the smell of fresh laundry.

7. Take a trip to the local pet store to pick out a special treat.

6. Take a drive and go to the drive-thru and buy them their own hamburger, ice cream or other favorite treat.

5. Buy a new t-shirt, sweatshirt, or coat to keep them warm and stylin'. Be sure to take a photo so you can remember how cute they looked.

4. Have them implanted with a tiny Pet ID microchip so they may be returned to you quickly if ever lost.

3. Give them a nice relaxing bath, have their nails trimmed, and give them lots of brushing to keep their coat looking beautiful.

2. Be sure they have had their annual veterinary visit and are up to date on their vaccinations and heartworm medication. If they are healthy they will be happier.

1. Find time for an extra walk, playing toys, or just sitting quietly and loving on them.