"I've got my eye on you, Squirrel." -- Barney
If man has benefited immeasurably by his association with the dog, what, you may ask, has the dog got out of it? His scroll has, of course, been heavily charged with punishments: he has known the muzzle, the leash, and the tether; he has suffered the indignities of the show bench, the tin can on the tail, the ribbon in the hair; his love life with the other sex of his species has been regulated by the frigid hand of authority, his digestion ruined by the macaroons and marshmallows of doting women. The list of his woes could be continued indefinitely. But he has also had his fun, for he has been privileged to live with and study at close range the only creature with reason, the most unreasonable of creatures.
--James Thurber, introduction to The Fireside Book of Dog Stories
In honor of National Pet Week (May 6-12) link up your pet posts to Sharla's Rockin' Pet Linky Party. Link opens May 6.
Throughout my life, my dogs have given, and received, unconditional love. Can't beat that.
Nice post. Thurber didn't mention how much fun it can be living with these goofy and sweet characters. . .and what fun it can be to put words in their mouths. . .
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe Cardinal, is my critter this week!
It was my Cocker Spaniel, Niko, who taught me all about unconditional love. He lived to be 17. At 16, he received a sack of free dog food after I had told the company that although Niko was not so enthusiastic eating its product, the vet and I believed it was his diet that prolonged his stay with me.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Dogs are definitely the best friends a person can have, in my opinion... Barney is a handsome boy. :)
ReplyDeletegreat friend
ReplyDeleteA very handsome dog! I have loved many dogs and couldn't imagine life without them! Love your quote. xx
ReplyDeleteBarney is a handsome lad and reminds me of my dog, Willie. Willie likes to chase squirrels and they like to taunt him.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing to compare to the love of a dog. Barney is a cutiepatootie!! :)
ReplyDeleteHello Ann... my Tessy says she has a crush on Barney now!... we are partying with the Rockin' Pet party too... sending big mushy doggie kisses, xoxo Julie Marie and Tessy
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dog!
ReplyDeleteCute picture of your dog, Barney. We have all kinds of squirrels around here that will chatter and taunt my dog, Bella. She'll try to chase them sometimes but they are always too quick for her.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from the Rockin' Pet Linky Party. (Newest follower.)
Barney is such a beautiful boy! Love the look he has for the squirrel.:-) What you said is so true...it doesn't matter what we look like or where we live or what we have or don't have, our pups will love us no matter what! Thanks so much for sharing your furry baby at our Rockin' Pet Linky Party. Sending Barney much doggie love,
ReplyDeleteSharla
I love your post! Barney is quite handsome. All pets are a joy, but dogs hold a special place in my heart.Thank you for commenting and following my blog. I am now following your great blog also.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
Beautiful. I have a pic of my dog up this week too.
ReplyDeleteLove this dog, and the Thurber quote! They are wonderful companions, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteLove this! I'm so glad you decided to join us and share at 'Weekly Top Shot.' :-) I hope you'll come share again next week...
ReplyDeleteawwww! what a great body guard :-) Barney is a cutie :-) Dropping by from Camera Critters
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