(Does not mean it's correct, just means it's mine.)
I truly believe in
my heart of hearts, that no family is complete
without the unconditional
love of a dog. There are times in all
our lives when we
feel like "no one understands."
Somehow a Newfoundland
is able to break through all the barriers
we as humans set
up in our emotional lives. Grief, sickness,
desertion, divorce,
and death are but minor obstacles in a
Newfoundland's drive
to love and care for their family.
The love of a Newfoundland
is never ending and eternal. Their
utmost priority in
life is to "please~~whatever the price.
The snoring, occasional
slobber and hair is but a small price to pay for
the gift of hope
and unity they provide their families on a daily basis.
Yes, Newfs are famous
"saviors". It is my belief, they have saved many
more "emotional"
lives than in any glorified water rescue.
This is the reason
our family has committed our lives to love,
serve, and protect
these magnificent creatures.
I've heard it said
many times and I agree, once a Newfoundland has found
his/her way into
a life (a heart), that life will be forever changed for the better.
Here in this house...
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my
level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand,
I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among
many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound
of it!
Here in this house...
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someones idea
of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someones anger, impatience, or
stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be
loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to
my teacher for blame.
Here in this house...
I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch... knowing
that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful
and known to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill,
too unruly, or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as
kind and as fair as dogs.
Here in this house...
I will belong.
I will be home.
by Laura Cathleen Patterson
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