tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90075761455746023662024-03-13T00:47:40.596-07:00DOG OF MY LIFESAVE A DOG AND A DOG WILL SAVE YOU.Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-40303203102485503042023-06-08T07:37:00.001-07:002023-06-08T07:39:01.587-07:00FOLLOW YOUR DOG<br />
(The Laurentians 2010)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">t's 1AM, I can't sleep and neither can my dog so I grab a headlight and we go out into the night.</span><br />
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">He leads me along a wooded path covered in memories of paw prints and explorations with dogs of past and present. </span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We are surrounded by giant pines and we can hear the whisper of everything that is alive and dancing through the forest.</span><br />
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We find a spot unobstructed by trees where we can sit and take in the starry, country sky. </span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">A deep, warm silhouette of colours and shapes waltz their way across the canvas and every now and then a star loses its grip and falls. </span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I feel a wave of emotion come over me. I wonder where stars learn to twinkle and why some fall while the others stay in place.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I hold my dog close and kiss his head. I hold him never wanting to let go because my love for him is so great and our time together so brief.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">As we head back toward the house, he nudges my hand with his head, barks and gestures. Suddenly, we are startled by a strobe of light racing across the sky. It reaches out and carries us for a slice of a second.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Shades of blue and purple, pink and orange join hands like a rainbow after a storm. The entire sky calls to us with a silent, soothing calmness.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I feel the presence of my dogs - all my boys - their spirits still very much alive, radiating like stars flowing in Rainbow Heaven.</span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I reach out to hug them and there within the warmth of their souls, I drift like a leaf in the wind never wanting to land.</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sleep well my boys and when I look up at the sky - remember to twinkle so I know you are there.</b></i><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkQIfCuEvN1IoZeUO05P8mh0KzWGIYBcvv6b9_OWh4nLSwD-atKl03fpjypy3UPM1yLdPD6Mx4kIuSVNX_pH1iUWTr0qVSz0UWvqhRWXMKFImu1J0DXrqSErVfBBS7FdcMQ33KAQwPn62/s1600/Buddy+buster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkQIfCuEvN1IoZeUO05P8mh0KzWGIYBcvv6b9_OWh4nLSwD-atKl03fpjypy3UPM1yLdPD6Mx4kIuSVNX_pH1iUWTr0qVSz0UWvqhRWXMKFImu1J0DXrqSErVfBBS7FdcMQ33KAQwPn62/w320-h240/Buddy+buster.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> Buddy and Buster R.I.P. 2010</span></div>
Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-38317818828775245932023-06-08T07:34:00.002-07:002023-06-08T07:34:31.074-07:00I AM YOUR DOG AND THIS IS WHAT I KNOW<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you love me more than you love yourself.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that you think of me all day when you are at work and I am at home thinking about you.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you would skip a weeknight out because I have been alone all day and weeknights are for me and you.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that if I wait on the floor beneath your chair that sooner or later you will drop some food and I will grab it and gobble it down before you can take it away from me.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know all of your pain and have counted all of your teardrops and I don't like anyone who has hurt you or anyone who may hurt you.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you made sacrifices when you rescued me and that you gave me a second chance.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that when you came to the shelter I noticed you right away and I wanted you to take me home and that you were concerned as to whether you would be the right parent for me. Just the same, you took me with you, rather than leaving me behind.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I will be forever grateful for that and your most loyal, loving friend for as long as I live.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I shed all over the place and you have to vacuum every day and wearing black is not a good idea even if you like to wear black.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9H_cA8WElPP4qoN26DfBGu5_BjEP0RPjCRX0Ri0tcXEFQOpJLV1QzGCIxbc2XYm_t_GqAlG-ftfeMJrTTwe5gCrmWTTBiHF0z4Gi1jOlsNBHty1jMiQAnhi9aNxePfRxi-O4nNXGVfSBd5wYPALfrDa4NvnnEopzgp1vS6fY5uCgZrANMrmtTk1zTw/s3264/233A1024-4008-44AA-AFA5-514ECAF1A175.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9H_cA8WElPP4qoN26DfBGu5_BjEP0RPjCRX0Ri0tcXEFQOpJLV1QzGCIxbc2XYm_t_GqAlG-ftfeMJrTTwe5gCrmWTTBiHF0z4Gi1jOlsNBHty1jMiQAnhi9aNxePfRxi-O4nNXGVfSBd5wYPALfrDa4NvnnEopzgp1vS6fY5uCgZrANMrmtTk1zTw/s320/233A1024-4008-44AA-AFA5-514ECAF1A175.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">WHISKEY WARHOL</div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that you like to see me first thing in the morning when you awake as much as I like to see you and I know that I wait for you to come home when you are away and it feels like a million years have passed and when you return it is quite simply the greatest thing ever.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that when you fill my Kong you fill it not only with cookies and cheese but with love.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that the day will come when we will have to part and that where I am going you cannot join me.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I will watch over you and when you pass to the other side I will come and greet you if only for a moment to give you a kiss and thank you for the wonderful life you gave me and then I will return to Rainbow Bridge.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that one day we will find ourselves in another place and time. You will be walking along a long and winding country road amidst the fog and I will be there at the next turn and will run into your arms and you will hold me forever in a world where forever exists.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I am in your heart and your soul as you are in mine and that our love began the moment you walked me out of that shelter into the fresh air and rays of the sun that I thought I may never feel again.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that you saved me and I know that I saved you.</span></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div><div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" face="gotham, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">And that is all I know.</span></span></div>Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-4001645624588497222017-10-21T08:20:00.001-07:002021-11-17T06:52:49.123-08:00WHEN YOUR DOG VISITS YOU IN YOUR DREAMS<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Last night my dog Buddy came to me in a dream the way sometimes dearly departed souls visit you when you least expect it and the experience is so visceral, so deep that it both hurts and heals.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I was in the country with a friend checking out a farm for sale. I exited one of the many tattered barns and as I came around the bend Buddy was just standing there. He appeared as a hologram floating in the mist, in the fog.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It had been almost a decade since we last were together. I thought of him every day and while most of the thoughts were happy and provided me with wonderful memories of our life together; there were always those waves that washed over me at night - a tide burying me somewhere in the sand.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Buddy was quite a character. He was my birthday present when I turned 30 ( a Flat Coat Retriever we adopted from a shelter) and shortly thereafter I received a diagnosis that rocked my world. I was sick for years and Buddy was right there with me all the way.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Buddy went everywhere with me and his Dad. For anyone who plans their vacations and any outings entirely around their dog - you can understand how integral their companionship and presence is in your life.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Like most dogs he had his wild and uninhibited side. He chased a family of skunks into their den and well let's just say they all partook in his communal shower. He got us kicked out of a campground because he decided it would be a good idea to visit each and every site/trailer to say hello and see if the hosts might offer him a hot dog or even better a steak.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">He ran onto a lake that was thinly covered in ice, fell through and started swimming away from the shore. I snaked out on the ice to rescue him knowing that we both could succumb to hypothermia and drown. </span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">His life came before mine and then that same winter I fell through the ice while walking Buddy. He pulled me back up to the surface putting my life before his.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">He loved Friday nights and quickly figured out how to grab the Challah (bread) from the kitchen counter.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">One night while we were all asleep he found a fresh apple pie (definitely pre-meditated having watched us that afternoon unpack the groceries). He ate the entire pie and then hid the plate under the couch.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> He ate everything and anything - there were socks and underwear coming out of him like a washer/dryer. He farted so bad you had to clear the room and not come back for 30 minutes (and he smiled with pride each time).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixH83tJ3crHDGG2VVeSPx_LzLc2O8aGJJ7eqwIAzBGAeIQvkw743LkVkXT-VVOBf93e4lG9lqZ5m_WpBvRzbARQMnfTkYcdnyRR7p9L-1E43ZG3MfBrXEY2Lw4TYm_tqZqDelSKpqnNzMP/s1600/IMG00034-20091121-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixH83tJ3crHDGG2VVeSPx_LzLc2O8aGJJ7eqwIAzBGAeIQvkw743LkVkXT-VVOBf93e4lG9lqZ5m_WpBvRzbARQMnfTkYcdnyRR7p9L-1E43ZG3MfBrXEY2Lw4TYm_tqZqDelSKpqnNzMP/s320/IMG00034-20091121-2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">One night at the age of 13, after a great day of swimming in the lake and running in the woods - he collapsed from a massive stroke - no warning, no chance to say a real goodbye and by morning he was gone.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> I remember being at the Vet and holding hime not wanting or knowing how to leave. Given he had not deteriorated from Cancer or some other disease, his beautiful face, glistening coat - were still in tact. The light had left his eyes and I could feel part of his soul slip into mine. Then he departed to a far better place.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I went through the same process as everyone - wondering if he knew how much I loved him and wishing I had said thank you more - thank you for enriching my life the way only a dog can.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the dream - he came to me and we hugged - I held him as close as I could never wanting to let go but he was being summoned and I could hear the calls like a whisper in the wind.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">He told me he was in a safe and happy place with other dogs. They all watched out for one another and they played and shared their peanut butter/cheese/cookie Kongs.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">He told me he loved me and missed me as much as I did him and that although it was rare for him to be able to penetrate the wall between our world and his beautiful place of peace; he was able to do so for fractions of a second from time to time.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Then he walked away and vanished into the white, into the blue, into a place I have never been.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Maybe forever but I hope not because forever is far too long.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Dogs are a gift. They are only with us for a short time but in that period they teach us what it really means to love and to be in the moment. They make us better people.</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Bless you Buddy.</span></span><br />
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-28377036658953875292017-09-03T09:27:00.000-07:002017-09-03T09:27:53.701-07:009 THINGS YOUR DOG WANTS TO TELL YOU<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#9 - YOU KNOW THAT NICE AZTEC PATTERN PILLOW ON THE COUCH? WELL WHEN YOU AREN'T HOME - I GRAB THAT PILLOW - I BITE THE CORNER OF IT BETWEEN MY FRONT TEETH AND I PUT THE REST OF IT UNDER ME AND I HUMP IT LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. THEN I FEEL BAD SO I KISS IT AND PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT WAS AS IF NOTHING EVER HAPPENED.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#8 - YOU KNOW HOW GUILTY YOU FEEL WHEVER YOU HAVE TO LEAVE ME AT HOME ALONE? WELL THE TRUTH IS I CAN'T WAIT TO GET RID OF YOU - FINALLY SOME PEACE AND QUIET AND NONE OF THOSE STUPID PHOTOS - HEY THAT'S A PHONE - USE IT AS A PHONE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#7 - YOU KNOW WHEN WE MEET UP WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND THEIR DOGS DURING OUR WALKS AND YOU START TO BLABB BLABB BLABB - WELL WHILE YOU ARE DOING THAT ME AND THE DOG ARE MAKING PLANS. I'M LIKE - HEY MY MOM IS GOING TO BE GONE ALL DAY TOMORROW - COME OVER AND WE CAN EAT COOKIES AND CHEESE OUT OF MY KONG - WE CAN GO ON HER LAPTOP AND EDIT HER MATCH.COM - "AM I EVER GOING TO MEET ANYONE ?"- PROFILE - AND WE CAN WATCH TV BUT NOT RAY DONOVAN BECAUSE IT REALLY SUCKS THIS SEASON. WHAT'S UP WITH THOSE WRITERS? I MEAN SERIOUSLY THEY HAVE AN AWESOME CAST WHO ARE JUST SITTING ON THE BENCH WAITING FOR A CHANCE UP AT BAT - GET IT TOGETHER WILL YA?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#6 - I AM ON DOG TINDER AND LET ME TELL YOU IT IS HARD TO SWIPE LEFT OR RIGHT WITH MY PAWS. ALSO I SCRATCHED YOUR PHONE AND I USED GEO-TAGGING SO THERE MAY BE A FEW PRETTY CANINE LADIES DROPPING BY - THAT MEANS THE BEDROOM IS MINE - HEY - I AM ASKED TO LEAVE WHENEVER YOU HAVE COMPANY AND I ONLY STICK AROUND BECAUSE I AM TRYING TO PROTECT YOU FROM THE PERSON WHO IS IN OUR BED MAKING ALL SORTS OF NOISES AND SHOUTING "DON'T STOP!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#5 - LOOK OUT THE WINDOW - LICK THE WINDOW - LOOK OUT THE WINDOW - LICK THE WINDOW - OK NOW YOU TRY</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#4 - I REALLY GET PEOPLE - I SMELL THEM AND I SENSE THEM - THOSE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS - I KNOW WHO I WANT YOU CLOSE TO AND WHO I WANT AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE FROM YOU - SO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO MY BODY LANGUAGE WHEN A NEW PERSON IS AROUND - I COULD SAVE YOU A LOT OF GRIEF.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#3 - I SIT IN FRONT OF YOU AND STARE AT YOU ON QUEUE A GOOD 15 MINUTES BEFORE DINNER TIME - THAT'S ME TELLING YOU THAT NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE DOING THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN FEEDING ME MY DINNER ON TIME. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#2 - LIFE IS A JOURNEY NOT A PARKING LOT - IT'S ABOUT SAVING AND BEING SAVED. IT'S ABOUT LOVING WHO YOU LOVE - SUPPORT - TRUST - RESPECT AND IT'S ABOUT A GREAT BIG WARM HUG AND THAT PERFECT KISS THAT YOU NEVER FORGET. IT'S ABOUT THE MAGICAL MOMENTS THAT OFTEN LIVE IN THE SHADOWS BECAUSE LIFE IS TOUGH AND WE ALL STRUGGLE WITH SOMETHING OR SOMEONE - ITS ABOUT APPRECIATING THOSE MOMENTS WHEN THEY COME OUT INTO THE LIGHT AND EVERYTHING SHINES - THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">AND THE #1 THING YOUR DOG WANTS TO TELL YOU:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1 - THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME - I AM GOING TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE SAVING YOU.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-47762158419967333422016-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:002019-11-18T09:23:34.716-08:00DEEP THOUGHTS FROM A DOG<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you let me drive, I
will let you stick your head out the window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I chase my tail
because it is always sneaking up on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I only eat one shoe or
one sock because I like to save the other one for later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know if I stand
under you in the kitchen – sooner or later you will drop some food – crumbs count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a feeling about everyone who visits our home and if you watch carefully you will see it in my
body language and my eyes and I am always right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you stuff my Kong
with cookies and cheese I will wash the windows with my tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did not sleep under
the sheets when you were out but I am wondering if you would consider flannel because I found the cotton a bit flimsy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you take me to the
park I will show you how to make new friends. It starts with smelling stranger’s butts and it only gets better from there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest - You've posted me all over the internet - how about a little privacy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am tired of walking around naked all the time so I try on your clothes while you are at work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know you told me not to use the computer but I haven't had a date in I don't know how long so I went onto a dating site and created a fake profile for myself and then I went onto another dating site and created a fake profile for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let's see who gets lucky first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know when you are sad and I know when you are happy and when you are sad I am sad and
when you are happy I am happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know you saved me
and I will spend the rest of my life saving you.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-36538196443806016002016-10-16T09:31:00.000-07:002017-08-22T07:07:03.501-07:00TAKE A CHANCE ON A DOG<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We take chances every day. Actually we take chances every second of every day - we just don't realize it and we therefore do not always weigh the consequences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We take chances in allowing ourselves to fall in love for the first time. We are vulnerable and we let someone into our deepest, darkest secrets and share with them the most intense of intimacies - love making.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many people believe that life is but a chance. It may sound Shakespearean but think about it... how many times has something happened to you that seemed like less than a coincidence? Maybe it all is one big chance sort of like leaping over a large puddle between the corner of the street and the road and you either end up in a smash landing or you make it safe and dry onto the sidewalk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's sometimes good to take chances because in taking them we change the path we are on and turn onto something new and refreshing and we even discover a part of ourselves that had been hidden or lost. Other times we take chances and well, we don't do so well with them but at least we tried.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we were young, we constantly took chances - we were the greatest "risk takers" ever. That's because we were curious and we were doing most things for the first time. It's exhilarating and scary all at once to take a chance and to do something new. Chances help us learn. We learn what it feels like to fail and what it feels like to succeed. We take chances again and again no matter how many times things do not turn out as planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we find ourselves asking a friend, "Should I take that chance?" Although usually when we are asking we already know how much of a chance we are willing to take.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a little story for you about "Chance". Many years ago, a friend of mine (let's call him Harry)was driving to his cottage on a snowy, winter's night. He was on a dark road and the snow began to fall heavily, so much so that there was barely any visibility. He had a choice, he could either continue driving and take a chance of possibly having an accident or he could stop by the side of the road and wait the storm out. As he was pondering this decision, he saw a parking lot on his left. He recognized the abandoned property as a former B&B that his parents took him to when he was little for the best banana and chocolate chip pancakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He parked and chose to get out of his car and seek shelter under the awning at the front of the building. Once he was there, he chose to see if the front door was unlocked and it was so he crept inside lighting his way with his cell phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was a ghastly stench of must and rotted food. He could see the breakfast benches and dining room had pretty much remained intact. Suddenly he felt something run by his feet and then he saw it moving under a table. He had a choice, he could run like hell and get back to the safety of his car or he could beam his flashlight app from his phone under the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He bent down and found a dog, his fur matted, his leg cut and bleeding, shivers running through him and no tags. He had a choice, he could leave the dog there and not bother with him or he could carry him out to his car. He chose to take the dog with him. He carefully lifted him and carried him in his arms. The snow had subsided and the road was clearly visible. He placed the dog in the back seat and put the heat on full blast. Then he got in the back seat and covered the dog with a blanket and held him close. The dog was shivering and short of breath. Harry hoped that he was not going to die in his arms but if he did, at least he would not die alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Within 30 minutes or so, the dog was almost completely respondent and sitting up placing his muzzle into Harry's neck. He was leaning his entire weight into Harry's side and he moved toward his face and gave him a big, wet kiss. Harry drove off and they arrived at his cottage shortly thereafter. Once the house was lit up and warmed by a crackling fire, Harry placed the dog in the bath tub and gave him a good scrub down, dried him and bandaged his cut. Then the dog suddenly appeared in his entirety and Harry was able to recognize that he was some variation of a Golden Retriever. He had chocolate brown eyes, a coat that looked like it has been sprinkled with brown sugar and a tail disproportionatally large for his body. His left eye was partially splashed with a white blaze that made its way down to his nose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Throughout the next week Harry visited all the local shelters, police stations and posted signs but no one called to reclaim the dog. Harry felt badly for whomever had lost him but it seemed more likely he had been purposely left out in the snow to fend for himself. It didn't take long at all for Harry and the dog to grow closer. He decided to name the dog and in doing so to recognize that this was now his dog and his dog only.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He named him "Chance" because that's what he initially was - a chance that Harry decided to take. And for the "Chance" that choice saved his life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would have taken that chance - would you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's hard to say what chances we will or won't take because as much as we think we weigh the consequences, we are actually quite impulsive when our emotions are in play and when another "being" is part of the chance, it's all about emotion in the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am all for taking chances. Most of life adventures have come my way because of the chances I have taken. I'm not afraid of losing because no matter how many times I do, it's the winning that brings me back to chance time and time again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chances...take them, don't take them, but never underestimate them because in doing so you are underestimating yourself. And who knows? There may just be a goofy, brown sugared Retriever out there waiting for you to take that chance.</span>Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-49613223600304526232016-10-05T10:53:00.000-07:002016-10-05T10:53:26.694-07:00STUFF I TELL MY DOG<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I talk to my dog all
the time – in private and in public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He is an excellent
listener although easily distracted by squirrels, trucks and women – he is
quite the Casanova.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I talk to him a lot before
going to bed at night in the darkness when all of the sad / scary moments of my
life past and present tend to creep up on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I tell him my fears –
of being alone forever – of my chronic illness getting worse – of losing my
last living parent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I repeat the story of
how we met at the shelter where I was volunteering. I arrived to walk as many
dogs as possible – giving them a break from noise and discomfort. There you were being chased in circles and humped by a larger dog – all of your 12 lbs beneath
a hefty 20+. I placed the other dog behind the reception desk and I picked you up and carried you around until you calmed down.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>From that moment on you followed me throughout my shift. If my back was to you - you tugged at my shirt with your teeth and if I sat down you were in my lap within seconds. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>You were clearly telling me that I was not to leave the shelter without you. So I decided to foster you for the weekend as I had done with other dogs.</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>You turned out to be a “keeper” and a wonderful, warm gift. I saved you and you saved me.</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also talk to him
about the other dogs I have had in my life and how much I miss them and how
difficult it was to say goodbye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I think of each and every one of my dogs every
day. I remember all of the wonderful walks, talks, adventures and all the love
we shared in their way too short lifetimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes I tell him
something funny or disturbing that happened in a given day and I talk to him
about the upcoming weekend and all that we are going to do together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I always tell him if a
holiday is coming up that will lengthen our weekend and time together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I ask him if he has
friends over while I am at work or if he heads out and goes shopping for kongs
and rawhide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There’s this magical
moment that often occurs when I am talking to him. He looks me right in the eye as if he understands everything and he is so thankful for that moment we are sharing together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Whisky - you are my Saturday
night, my New Year’s Eve, my weekend, my co-pilot – you are my everything and
walking through life without you would be like walking through life without my
soul".</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-19937595928800398252016-10-01T11:09:00.009-07:002024-01-26T07:54:29.892-08:00I AM A SHELTER DOG AND THIS IS MY STORY<br />
Fall 2014/Montreal/<br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">My name is Whiskey.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I am a Jack Russel/Chihuahua mix and an all around nice guy.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I wasn't always alone.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I had a family.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">They bought me from a pet store when I was 4 months old and took me home and raised me and provided me with love and comfort.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I lived with them for 2.5 years and I loved them very much.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Three weeks ago my mother started to cry and continued to do so most nights before bed. I tried my best to comfort her but to no avail. Something was up but I had no way of understanding how it would affect me and how fast it was coming down.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Then that weekend came when they put all of our belongings in boxes. My mother and father were talking loud to one another and seemed distant. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">My brothers and sisters kissed and hugged me goodbye and begged their parents to reconsider this painful decision. They surrounded me, trying to protect me but it didn't work.</span><br style="font-size: medium;" /><br /></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">My last car ride with my mother was to a noisy place with lots of smells. There were other dogs there, barking and yelping. I sensed sadness. I sensed an ending.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">My bed was no longer in the corner of the living room by the window. My stuff wasn't anywhere.</span><br /><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">My mother had a long talk with the woman at the counter. She smelled the same as the place and had a very serious tone to her voice. My mother filled out some paperwork, she cried throughout. I leaned against her and tried to comfort her but all she could do was hug me and kiss me and then she was gone.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I was escorted to a small room where a nice man examined me. He seemed upset and in a hurry. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Then he brought me into a large room where there were all these other dogs - big - small - barking - howling - terribly unhappy.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I was placed in a cage, while the larger dogs were in pens. There was a water bowl and a blanket. There was a layer of newspaper that reminded me of me of when I was a puppy.</span><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I was completely confused and felt this must be a horrible mistake and my parents would be coming back for me. Hours turned into days and there was no sign of the people who had been my only family.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I reflected on the past few weeks trying to figure out if I had done something terribly wrong to deserve to be left at the shelter. I hadn't really done anything that I could think of to deserve being abandoned. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I don't feel like myself here. I only get to go on a few short walks - and the person walking me is usually on his phone the entire time. I don't get to go off leash and run around in the park and I am not being hugged or kissed or even looked in the eye.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I don't get to play with the other dogs. We are all kept separate. I guess there is a reason for that but it is unfortunate because we are all in the same situation and could probably provide comfort and friendship to one another.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I wonder if they had families too and how they ended up here. </span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I really want to go home. I want to feel the sun on my face and I want to breathe fresh air. I want to sleep in my bed and wake up jumping all over my brothers and sisters - so excited to share another day with them. I want to lay next to my mom while she watches TV and pats my head. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I can only hope that tomorrow will be better than today.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I woke up this morning and there was this woman on her knees observing me. She was talking to me in a low comforting voice. I am not sure what she was saying but the intonation was friendly and inviting.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I chose her before she chose me.<br /></span>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">She left and came back with the guy who gives me my food. The best part was that he was holding a leash which meant I was going for a walk.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">They both went outside with me and they were talking a lot and looking at me. We walked to a nearby park and they sat on a bench while I breathed in the fresh air and gathered as much as I could from all the action around me. I had forgotten what it was to be curious because I had not been stimulated in a while. I was so enjoying watching the kids play and the birds and squirrels. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We walked back to the shelter and the guy went inside and me and the woman sat outside. She started talking to me. It sounded reassuring and positive although I did not know what she meant.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Then she walked me up to the same reception desk where my mother had abandoned me.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">She also filled out paperwork and talked a lot to the lady there - I was sad to return to the shelter - I could not stand the smell or feel of it any longer and I really felt like giving up but then something wonderful happened.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The woman gave me a hug and a kiss and she walked me out of the shelter and into her car. She spoke in a high, excited, captivating voice and she kept kissing me and petting me.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We ended up at her house - I knew it was hers because I already knew her smell and the house had the same scent plus a million more.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">She already had a food and water bowl for me in the kitchen and lots of toys including a few jumbo Kongs, filled with cookies.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I had this feeling I was not going back to the shelter and that was confirmed when she invited me onto the couch to watch TV. I wasn't sure if I would be able to trust a human again after having been abandoned by what I thought was my permanent family; but I had a good feeling about her and so I chose to open up my heart and my mind.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">That night we went for a walk around the neighbourhood. We stopped to talk to lots of nice people and they all knelt down and introduced themselves to me. </span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Then we returned home and although I had a bed set up on the floor - she invited me to sleep in her bed. So I hopped up and we cuddled and she kissed my head and I knew everything was going to be alright.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I guess there is a reason for everything.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I realize I am lucky that I was saved from the shelter while other dogs were stuck there behind bars.</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">I will forever be thankful to my new mom. I will love her everyday and be there for her when she is sad or confused or scared. I will put her above and beyond everything in my life because I am a dog and that is what I do.</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Pictured below - Whiskey Cohen - He rescued Me in 2014</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyN97UXsm7NQQyWZHsQ3Ou81AUGQotwSYTvpX3bBHqWr5hRmR1wtOEgfwZhv672EyLCcQhrnwN71cvdRVR5cs2DHwKARWXSeBkkb-kQk9cumUkQkHST0y3TXcFstSxoUvO1Ek2g48ehfXadqKfgTY_K1yd96vuucZW6QOuxiKipPDUeqp71D9TfbgzFHx/s640/whiskey%20edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyN97UXsm7NQQyWZHsQ3Ou81AUGQotwSYTvpX3bBHqWr5hRmR1wtOEgfwZhv672EyLCcQhrnwN71cvdRVR5cs2DHwKARWXSeBkkb-kQk9cumUkQkHST0y3TXcFstSxoUvO1Ek2g48ehfXadqKfgTY_K1yd96vuucZW6QOuxiKipPDUeqp71D9TfbgzFHx/s320/whiskey%20edit.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"> </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="text-align: left;"><i>SAVE A DOG AND A DOG WILL SAVE YOU</i></span></div></div><div>
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-54608804198145128692016-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:002017-11-17T07:10:24.341-08:00A DOG FOR EVERY MOMENT OF MY LIFE<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For every moment of my life there has been a dog by my side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every laugh, every tear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The moments I saw coming and the ones that jumped me from behind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The relationships I thought would last forever that did not last at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The accomplishments and the failures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The beginning - the middle and the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The cold snowy days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The warm summer days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The leaves falling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The birth of a child.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The death of a parent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sleepless nights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The times I tried to change and start over just to find myself in the same place again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The times I fell in love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The times I fell out of love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The many different lives I have lived thus far in this one life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of it - every moment - everything lost - everything gained</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There has been a dog by my side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Better than any friend or relative.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A love that surpasses all love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eyes that sparkle and eventually fade leaving my soul vacant and nothing but a collar in my hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But knowing - that for every moment of my life </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There has been and there always will be... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> A DOG</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> R.I.P. Gainey - you will forever be by my side</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-14779608295019984542016-09-24T11:13:00.000-07:002016-09-24T11:13:27.407-07:00SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR DOG<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dogs are incredible souls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We don’t have them for long but while we do have them they bless and enrich our lives. They love us from the time we bring them home until the light leaves their eyes and we become so accustomed to having them around that without them our lives become silent and empty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b><i> Buster (2007-2010) F*ck Cancer</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dogs don’t care if you are fat or skinny, old or young, having a really bad hair day or if you are rich or poor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They just love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They miss you the second you leave the house and they are there to greet you the second you open the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They think that the greatest thing in the whole wide world (aside from rawhide) is spending time with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are funny not knowing they are funny and not meaning to be funny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They each have their own unique personalities and traits. Some like to eat your socks, others your shoes, some bark, some talk and others hump the couch but it seems no matter what they do or destroy, your love for them grows and grows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A dog is the best kind of friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They listen, they don’t talk back, they remain neutral when you are discussing an incident, they let you make your own decisions, they stay by your side when you are sick or sad or both, they give freely of their affection including mega-kisses and they always want to play with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They know your deepest darkest secrets. They have seen everything. They protect and guard you and they watch you even when you don’t realize they are watching you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There’s a light, a sparkle, in their eyes that remains brightly lit. They are forever curious and compassionate and they accept and love you always.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You love your dog and when the time comes for his/her journey to end whether it is prematurely from Cancer or late in their lives from age, you honour and respect them by doing what is best for them - not for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For anyone who has held their dog in their arms through his/her very last breaths, you know that there is nothing quite as painful, hurtful and grueling as letting them go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You would do anything to extend their lives and wish you could keep them forever and ever but they are precious beings that sprinkle some magic ferry dust upon our existence and eventually that dust blows away and goes to a far better place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saying goodbye to your dog is the only negative factor in the otherwise over the top love fest that grabs you by the hand and pulls you onto the floor for the dance of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It sways and jives around and around in a warm wonderful circle that makes our lives whole and teaches us about love and how much of it we are capable of giving and sharing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-36187518246833078522016-09-24T11:09:00.000-07:002018-03-08T10:59:19.727-08:00WHERE DO DOGS GO WHEN THEY DIE?<br />
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I have lost several dogs in my lifetime. I can’t convey the pain, the loss, the feeling of hopelessness but I can tell you that through this devastation, I became a believer. Actually I became a crusader. I prayed that some kind of Dog Heaven (such as <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Rainbow</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bridge) </st1:placetype></st1:place>existed; I proclaimed it the best place on earth where the most incredible souls roamed – a place too sacred and spiritual for those of human form.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7pQaBIfQAUCojs-4QdneOGQ4A-ZBiG7zcyX1OCHcCSGEcDwjjC0l-pERtvkteyWZiK3j6pSGeEkOEH1s0EGM0r5_nu9sGNRxBCkkfZDTxcAyGJ4ty3OW74MABeYY7G43Vmgi0z80sgNG/s1600/buddy+polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="545" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7pQaBIfQAUCojs-4QdneOGQ4A-ZBiG7zcyX1OCHcCSGEcDwjjC0l-pERtvkteyWZiK3j6pSGeEkOEH1s0EGM0r5_nu9sGNRxBCkkfZDTxcAyGJ4ty3OW74MABeYY7G43Vmgi0z80sgNG/s320/buddy+polish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p> BUDDY</o:p></div>
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One of the things that stuck with me after my dogs were gone was who will take care of them and how will they make it to wherever they go next? After all dogs need to be cared for their entire lives, they don’t grow up and move out and start a life of their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided to Google "Doggie Heaven" and “Rainbow Bridge” and I read all this great stuff that other believers had written. Many were keeping in touch with their dogs as if they were skyping with them from earth. They imagined their dogs in this magical, beautiful place where they are eternally young, happy and healthy. All they do is play, eat and sleep ;much like they did here on earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think dogs do deserve their own heaven but at the same time I selfishly wonder whether I will ever be granted a temporary pass so I can see my boys one last time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I can’t live on rainbows or on stars and I can’t wake up and find my departed dogs by my bedside. I can’t bring them for a run in the woods or a swim in the lake and I can’t admire them from the couch as they sleep on their backs with their legs in the air.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All I can do is close my eyes and remember their faces and hope that never fades.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I believe in rainbows, I believe in bridges that connect us to the souls we loved in our lifetimes, I believe my dogs miss me as much as I miss them and that if I write their names in the sky, they will see and know I haven’t forgotten them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What do you believe?</div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-61090845480400316712016-09-24T11:06:00.000-07:002016-09-24T11:06:47.455-07:0010 THINGS YOUR DOG DOES WHILE YOU ARE AT WORK<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">9 invites friends over to watch Game of Thrones on Netflix</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8 tries on your clothes (because he is sick and tired of walking around naked all the time)</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7 farts something so awful even he has to clear the room</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6 logs onto your computer for doggy online dating and creates a completely fictitious profile</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5 logs onto your computer for YOUR online dating and creates a completely fictitious profile</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">4 sleeps then awakes at the thought of applying to college and doing something with his life but then realizes </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> would mean less sleep so forgets about it and goes back to sleep</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3 updates his profile on LinkedIn so he can get a job and buy a new Kong</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2 unmakes the bed and rubs </span>himself<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> all over the sheets and thinks it's funny</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And the #1 THING YOUR DOG DOES WHILE YOU ARE AT WORK:</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">perfects his “IT WASN'T ME” face for when you walk through the door </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Whisky's "I did not do it" face (it works every time).</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">WHAT DOES YOUR DOG DO WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK?</span></div>
Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-55349200536651539832016-09-24T08:17:00.002-07:002016-09-24T08:17:51.474-07:00YOUR DOG IS ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your dog is there for you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not sometimes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not maybe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not never<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But always<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He waits for you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He watches you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is your best friend<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And when you are alone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Living alone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A marriage or relationship in the past<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your dog is your present<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your dog is your future<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He is your Saturday night date<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Your excuse that is not an excuse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For just staying home<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will watch your favorite TV show<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will listen to your ongoing commentary<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will tilt his head and do his best to understand</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whatever dribble is coming from your mouth</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmHEtLlfIxLif3G9cEW17P0HxafOdMypV0DvuTbN-DQfD6WMPk9woRFJkprJhQn-glZW8qopinziLEOfzI1LbkWPKkI7RGq5xGEl8rZ-AqbjBDKfo755XZqoErQZLkVTFxXa5518-4nA/s1600/dsc_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmHEtLlfIxLif3G9cEW17P0HxafOdMypV0DvuTbN-DQfD6WMPk9woRFJkprJhQn-glZW8qopinziLEOfzI1LbkWPKkI7RGq5xGEl8rZ-AqbjBDKfo755XZqoErQZLkVTFxXa5518-4nA/s1600/dsc_0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> R.I.P. Buster </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will want to share all of the moments of his life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With all the moments of yours</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then he will want more<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">More than time can give<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the short life he lives<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A dog is a gift<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He comes and goes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He teaches you to love life<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To love unconditionally<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To love him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To love yourself</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even if you feel no one else does</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are no stronger feelings<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Than those between a dog and his owner<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can say your children<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But many will tell you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their children grow up and move out<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Their children start lives of their own<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But your dog never starts a life of his own<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He only lives one life and that entire life is with you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A dog won’t notice if you gain weight<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Or if your hair turns grey<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He won’t notice if you can’t fit into your old jeans<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Or if your chin doubles<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will sense if you are sad<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will sense if you are lost</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always helping you find your way</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back to yourself</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will have you under his watch</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the moment you meet until the moment you part<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Giving you the greatest, purest taste of love</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A constant reminder of what we are here for</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So kiss your dog</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And if he is gone<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Think of him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And he will know you are thinking of him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For he is all around you<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Making sure you never forget</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What love is</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And one day<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You will be side by side</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And he will greet you</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As if</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you went out for groceries</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And finally came home</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It will be a celebration<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of an unbreakable bond<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That flows between you and him<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And dances beyond the clouds<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Drifts through the sky<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And joins you in an everlasting waltz<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-46538808408465464372016-09-24T08:15:00.001-07:002019-12-01T06:33:21.737-08:00WHAT YOUR DOG WANTS YOU TO KNOW<br />
<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you love me more than you love yourself.</span></span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that you think of me all day when you are at work and I am at home thinking about you.</span></span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you would skip a weeknight out because I have been alone all day and weeknights are for me and you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know all of your pain and have counted all of your teardrops and I don't like anyone who has hurt you or anyone who may hurt you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br data-mce-bogus="1" /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know you made sacrifices when you rescued me and that you gave me a second chance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that I will be your most loyal, loving friend.</span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px; color: #383838; font-family: gotham, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span data-mce-style="font-family: gotham, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 1.57143em;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know that I shed all over the place and you have to vacuum every day and wearing black is not a good idea even if you like to wear black.</span></span></div>
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Eyes That Speak<br />
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<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that the last vision I will have will be of you freeing me from the shelter and under the sweet rays of the sun; kissing my head and saying,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Let's go home."</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "gotham" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know you saved me and I will spend the rest of my life saving you.</span><br />
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For Buddy...somewhere in doggie heaven playing his version of fetch = you're not getting this ball back...XO<br />
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9007576145574602366.post-45437293905297180072016-09-24T07:43:00.002-07:002016-09-24T07:43:55.496-07:00WHAT MY DOG TAUGHT ME ABOUT LIVING IN THE PRESENT<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dog is brilliant and so is yours. Yeah they chase their tails and steal your socks and smell people's butts but they are still far more advanced than you and me in terms of their perception of time and life itself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> So I was watching this series on Showtime called "The Big C" (actually quite good) and the main character decided to participate in a "make my life better" type weekend conference (led by the amazing Susan Sarandon).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The metaphor/mission/message was delivered at the start of the weekend with participants receiving knapsacks that they had to fill with large rocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They then had to wear the knapsacks on their backs over the course of the weekend until they were able to prove that they had let go of the past - stuff like regrets, broken relationships, money not well spent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought it was kind of cliche until that very night I caught myself doing the usual staring at the ceiling obsessing about the past - break ups, losses, failures and what should I eat for lunch tomorrow and I realized I myself was carrying around a knapsack filled with rocks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I needed to figure out a way to remove that knapsack from my aching back so I turned to the source of my joy - to the happiest - go lucky - soul I know - my dog Whisky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Whisky - how do you and all the dogs out there manage to live in the present? I mean you are a rescue/shelter dog with a painful past yet you are as happy go lucky as you can get."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First thing he did was open his soulful eyes and look into mine - then he slanted his eyes, showed his teeth and tilted his head (that's his smile), then finally - he spoke:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Listen you need to chill and enjoy every moment as it comes. Look out the window. Savour every morsel of your food. Play with your Kong and try to get the cookie and peanut butter out of the center. Stop looking in the mirror at your wrinkles and the bags under your eyes and instead chase your tail or get really excited when you come home from work and see me - act as if you have not seen me in a year and every time you see me is an amazing thrill. Love your family and show them that love. Be a loyal and compassionate friend. Be thankful for every morning that you wake up to - run circles around the bed - throw me a high five! And most importantly - forget the past because you are no longer in it, you are never going back and it has forgotten you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then he kissed me, turned over, farted the most wicked fart (I am sure he was smiling although I could not see) and as I lay there, my face covered by the sheets in an attempt to breathe without smelling - I reailzed he was right - I had to start living my life as if each day was my last.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And you know what? The next morning I woke up fueled with a new sense of energy, I chased Whisky around the bedroom, I joined him looking out the window (he kissed the glass - I didn't). I really savoured the taste of my toast and jam as if it was the best food I ever eaten. I called my Mom on the way to work and told her I loved her. I sent texts out to friends making plans for the weekend and I felt lighter, I felt refreshed as if I had been given a second chance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The knapsack had been removed from my back. The weight of each and every rock gone. I was living somewhere between the present and the future where if you think about it; everything really happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Moral of the story - Listen to your Dog - he's brilliant.</span></div>
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Lisa Audrey Cohenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10248548375687310507noreply@blogger.com0