Thunder that is still too far away for us to hear presses down on Ben’s ears and he wakes us and leans hot and chesty first against M., then against me, and listens to our slow, warm words that mean we love him. But when the storm has passed, he is brave again and wants to go out. We open the door and he glides away without a backward glance. It is early, in the blue and grainy air we can just see him running along the edge of the water, into the first pink suggestion of sunrise. And we are caught by the old affinity, a joyfulness — his great and seemly pleasure in the physical world. Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?
~ Mary Oliver, Long Life: Essays and Other Writings
Photograph: Gary Choronzy at Pooch Doogie Photography
Love this…and the pic!
A world without dogs?….like a day without sunshine.
Yes!
Ohhh so true! I awoke to Beau breathing heavily in my ear this morning, his head nestled close against my neck, warm and content. The love and trust they bestow upon us humbles me…
Awwwwww….
There are just some things I can’t imagine…and am happy not to try.
I wouldn’t want to live in a world without dogs.
A world without dogs would be a lesser place.
Totally, inconceivable…
it would be a very different and bland place.
It certainly would…
Love that photo!!
Your current blog suggested this one — nothing worth living for more than the love of a person — or a dog —
So agree!