[Joe 6-pack]

Thanks again for the sentiments and the encouragement. The monks guide that master to use their dog as a touchstone or doorway to relate to all creation, and by learning, or at least striving to view life through the eyes and psyche of another creature, we get outside ourselves and enhance our relationships with our fellow man.

Our society has lost sight of the virtuosity of humility, which simply means a groundedness and ability to observe and accept one's proper place in the big picture...Timber was a big part of me, but as the monks write:

"Do the bonds of relationship extend beyond this life? We have no proof, one way or another. But there is a depth to our experience that awakens faith, faith that in the mysterious character of life ultimately nothing of real value will ever be lost. Our closest relationships, both with humans and with dogs, somehow point beyond themselves, leading us to hope that there is indeed something of the eternal present in them."

I think there's a good chance I'll be seeing my Timber again :-)

[TASMANIANRED]

Dogs in specific but pets in general help us become more truly human.

People that cannot love a pet have something lacking.

My best friend as a kid was a GS. I told her secrets that I'd never tell a human and she just looked at me with those warm accepting eyes.

The total acceptance and trust that a dog gives back to you is golden.