[Kartographer]

Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.

George Graham Vest - c. 1855

[Jet Jaguar]

Sorry to hear.

[PGalt]

GRRRRREAT post Kartographer. Condolences. I don’t know if you FReepers know each other, but...

http://www.freerepublic.com/~kanawa/

[map]

RIP Hope. That was a touching essay by Vest. Tearing up.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Sorry for your loss. I know the deep loss it is.

[gaijin]

What a cute dog..!

I LOVE DOGS..!

Sorry for your loss :( :(

[Georgia Girl 2]

So sorry to hear it. Losing a dog is a hard thing.

[Inyo-Mono]

So sorry for your loss. Companionship and loyalty are just a few of the many attributes of man’s best friend.

[Sans-Culotte]

Sorry for your loss. As a dog-lover, I know what you’re going thru. Loved the post and the pic.

[ctdonath2]

Buried mine this morning.
I am sharing your pain.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Tennessee Nana]

Oh sweet doggie...

[Caipirabob]

Our regards and condolences for your loss. Honestly I got scared for a moment because I thought it was you that had passed on. Still sad about your dog, but really glad it is not you.

[lysie]

Sorry for your loss. Hold on to the better times you had with your sweet dog, Hope.

[mumblypeg]

So sorry. :-(

[Duchess47]

I am so very sorry.

[Albion Wilde]

So sorry, Kartographer. Bless you, and her where she is.

[CARTOUCHE]

Our deepest condolences Karto. Our little Xena has brought us such joy as did your family member. May your loss be lightened as the days go by. Best.

[MtnClimber]

Really sorry to hear of your loss.

[upchuck]

I’m sorry for your loss. Loosing a beloved dog is very hard. I pray the Lord will fill the hole in your heart with many kind and warm memories of Hope.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
But when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years that nature permits
Are closing in asthma or tumors or fits
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers, or loaded guns.
Then you will find—its your own affair
But—you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will
When the whimper of welcome is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You still discover how much you care
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ‘em the more do we grieve;
For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
-Rudyard Kipling