The Power of Dogs

[2000Z-71]

So I sit hear in the silence of my house enjoying a drink and the solitude after a long day. Today was my little girl’s family party for her fifth birthday. Everyone has gone home, my wife and daughter have been long asleep and except for the presents scattered around the living room, everything has returned to normal. The one event that I remember from today more than the presents, candles or cake, is my dog playing with her best friend.

My dog is a one year old Akita that we rescued 6 months ago. He has got the most friendly and playful temperament of any dog that’s ever been a part of our family. My daughter’s best friend is only three months older than her and they’ve known each other since my daughter was 6 weeks old. He has had a rough road in life so far. As an infant and toddler he had chronic ear infections that have permanently affected his hearing and slowed his development. On top of this he is currently undergoing screening for autism.

He’s a sweet kid, incredibly smart, but he is compulsive and prone to emotional outbursts. Many adults don’t have the patience to deal with him. Many kids don’t understand him. As a result he spends a lot of time alone. His parents are doing a phenomenal job with him, but his school even though it caters to kids with special needs, is falling well short.

But today in the back yard, none of that mattered. He’d throw the ball for my Akita and he would faithfully bring it back each and every time. He’d run and my dog would be right there with him every step of the way. He’d stop running and my dog would turn and face him, forelegs flat on the ground, butt up in the air, tail wagging, with ears alert and waiting for the next move. He’d trip and fall and my dog would come skidding to stop, lay down next to him and start licking his face encouraging him to get right back up.

Some of the other children, including my own daughter saw this and wanted to play with my dog as well. They’d pick up a tennis ball and throw it and he’d just stand there and look at them and make no effort to go retrieve it. But as soon as that five year old boy threw a ball, my dog was off like a shot to bring it back to him. That made him feel incredibly special, like he had a gift that no one else did.

For once in that kid’s life, he found someone who never ran out of patience, would be there with him at every step, would be encouraging to get up and keep trying and treated him like he was special. He had a couple of emotional breakdowns today, but each time he would come out in the yard, play with my dog for a few minutes, and everything was right in his little world again. That was amazing to me since I have seen some of his emotional outbreaks last for well over an hour.

It just never ceases to amaze me the powers of empathy that dogs have and the bonds that they form with people.

[TACC1]

That touched me! That's quite a dog you've got. Would like to hear further developments over time. TACC1

[BarbC]

Dogs know.

[lonejacklarry]

Originally Posted by BarbC

Dogs know.

You're right! I have three Golden Retrievers. The "baby", Otis, is just over 2 years old, and is the most rambunctious dog I've ever been around. His idea of a good time is to bring his rope toy so he can pull on it while someone else tries to hold it. He weighs about 85# and can jerk me around if he wants to and I'm a long way past 85#.

Yesterday, my one year old grandson came walking up to Otis w/ the rope toy in his hand. I knew what was next and started to get up. Otis took his end of the rope and just stood there and soon was being led around by a one year old boy w/ a rope toy in his hand.

I don't have any idea how they know but they do know!

[Iggy]

Whut Barb sed!

Thanks for the reminder of the wonderful qualities of a dog.

I have always said that if there ain't any dogs in heaven, I ain't goin'!

[tallpaul]

So when are you gifting him that dog?


Awesome story and thanks for sharing!

[Forester]

What a great post!

[oldfella]

Do dogs have a soul?... I think they do:

"Many believe that there is no dog or cat heaven. Animals do not have an eternal soul and therefore they do not go to heaven or hell. Animals have a temporary soul on earth which expires when they die. Only human beings have an eternal soul which continues to exist, after their body has died, in either heaven or hell.

On the other hand, many religions teach that not just humans have souls and that a creator would not "bless" just man with the right to another, better life after death. Many scholars say that if you can love, dream and feel then you have a "soul." No-one can deny that animals love, dream, and feel since we see it everyday with our own pets."

Pete

[snowdog]

What a great post, even touched an old guy's heart like myself. I don't know what I'd do without my son and our doggies. They always seem to know when you're down and they know how to bring back up again.


See ya,

Snowdoggie

[mac2]

the worst thing about dogs are their short lifespan

[gunlovingirl]

Great story! Dogs are great teachers and therapists! Thanks for sharing!

[bk43]

Here's Coco resting in her yard. Throw something and expect her to fetch it? You must be nuts! A relationship where an Akita will fetch is special beyond words. As an owner I can't tell you how impressed I am.

Great story...thank you.



Bob

[2000Z-71]

Originally Posted by tallpaul

So when are you gifting him that dog?

The thought did cross my mind but that won't be happening. He's a part of our family and however strong his bond may be with that boy, he's got stronger ones with us. I'll just be happy to let those two spend time together whenever possible.

[Frank237]

Thanks for sharing that story.

FN in MT

[rondo]

The power of dogs, indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[Chik a Boom]

Beautiful. Now I've started my morning blubbering into my coffee. Thanks.

[2000Z-71]

Bob, you've got a beautiful dog in Coco. Akitas can be a lot of work in their training, but the loyalty that they give back is more than worth it.

[Snowbandit]

I don't know if individual dogs go to heaven or not but I do know this. God promised heaven would be filled with good things. Dogs were created by God and pronounced "good" so I expect them there. Besides, like another poster said, "if there aren't going to be dogs in heaven I don't want to go either".

[walnutred]

Originally Posted by Snowbandit

I don't know if individual dogs go to heaven or not but I do know this. God promised heaven would be filled with good things. Dogs were created by God and pronounced "good" so I expect them there. Besides, like another poster said, "if there aren't going to be dogs in heaven I don't want to go either".

Anyone else remember the Twilight Zone episode with that theme? The Twilight Zone Video - The Hunt - CBS.com

[gamedic]

my 14 y/o black lab is right beside me as I read this. Ofcourse he is always right beside me. He has been a faithful partner since he was a pup. Now he is an old man. I hope he has many more years in him.

[Iggy]

Walnutred, Yup I remember the Twilight zone episode.
That helped me make up my mind.

[BarbC]

Dogs only live 1/5 of our lifespan so they have to be 5 times better than people.

[M29since14]

I once heard Billy Graham answer the question about dogs and Heaven. I liked his answer, so I am sure it is the correct one.

Anyway, here is Dr. Graham's point, possibly a bit less than artfully condensed. A caller who had just lost his dog that was his much-loved companion for many, many years was devastated and asked him if he could hope to see his dog again in Heaven. The reply was that his understanding of Heaven is that anything that makes us happy, that would make our existence there more pleasurable, of course would be there. If our dogs make us happy - they WILL be there.

That was good enough for me. Thanks, Dr. Graham!

[Indiana George]

What a wonderful experience for the little boy.

Thanks 2000Z-71

[rocketdog]

Dogs just want to have fun.

dogs playing in the snow