Jim Drevescraft, Peak to Peak.

Recently, my two wonderful yellow Labs died, or “crossed the rainbow bridge” for the credulous. They had long and happy lives, and joined the group of other dogs I have known and loved during my lifetime.

Does the world really need another comment about dogs and their special relationship to mankind? I think so, because the close relationship between canines and humans, dating from time immemorial, is one of the most satisfying relationships those who have loved a dog or dogs can hope to have had in this lifetime.

Books, prose, poetry, funeral inscriptions, marble statues, and so much more: our intense attachment to dogs is arguably one of humanity’s finest virtues, except for the Philistines who eschew any interest in companion animals at all. One historical example is found on a marble inscription at the British Museum in which the dog Margarita (“Pearl”) tells his/her own story as a loyal companion and hunting dog from Gaul:

I was trained to run boldly through strange forests

and to hunt out furry wild beasts in the hills,

never accustomed to be held by heavy chains

nor endure cruel beatings on my snow-white body.

I used to lie on the soft lap of my master and mistress

and knew to go to bed when tired on my spread mattress

and I did not speak more than allowed as a dog,

given a silent mouth.

No-one was scared by my barking,

but now I have been overcome by death from an ill-fated birth

and earth has covered me beneath this small piece of marble.

Margarita (‘Pearl’)

One might hope that one’s own epitaph were as beautiful.

In this author’s case, I have realized late in life that nearly all of the years I have lived, with a few exceptions which as fate had it were the least happy of my life, were circumscribed and enhanced by sharing my life with dogs---eleven so far. So much joy, so much companionship, so much love, occasionally interrupted by sadness akin to losing a child. It has been a microcosm of life itself, giving the whole matter of existence and meaning a deeper context.

More dog praise?? Yes, because so many lives are made better by dogs and their incalculable way of adding richness and joy to living for the humans who love them back.