The Life of My Dog

Two timeless and poignant epitaphs marking the loss of two well-loved dogs:

 1. EPITAPH FOR A SMALL DOG (Le Baron Cooke, ca. 1935)

Here rests a little dog/ Whose feet never ran faster/ Than when they took the path/ Leading to his master.

2. TO BOTSWAIN (George Noel Gordon, Lord Byron, 1808)

Near this spot/ Are deposited the Remains of one who possessed Beauty/ Without Vanity,/ Strength without Insolence,/ Courage without Ferocity,/ And all the Virtues of Man/ Without his Vices.

This Praise, which would be unmeaning flattery/ If inscribed over Human Ashes,/ Is but a just tribute to the Memory of/ ‘Botswain’, a Dog/ Who was born at Newfoundland/ May, 1803,/ And died at Newstead Abbey/ Nov. 18, 1808.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes about dogs.

- “Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” (Franklin P. Jones)  - “My little dog: a heartbeat at my feet.” (Edith Wharton)  - “Histories are more full of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.” (Alexander Pope)  - “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as a dog does.” (Christopher Morley)

Kate Marshall

www.marshallbooks.net

Register and add a quote of your own in the comments below (sorry, but so much blog spam leads us to asking folks to register before leaving comments)

Say “dog show” and most people picture All-Breed Conformation shows, where handlers in suits and sensible shoes present pure-bred, well-groomed dogs to a judge for the honor of best specimen of their breed.

But say “dog trial” and many people draw a blank. Yet on any given weekend, under cover of early morning fog, mini-vans with bumper stickers like “In Dog I Trust” quietly slip out of cul-de-sacs everywhere to partake in various dog sport trials. These addicts often drive for hours for a chance to compete in Obedience, [tag]Agility[/tag], Fly Ball, Tracking or another dog sport of choice.

Continue Reading »

It’s impossible to underestimate the joy a dog can bring to our lives. People with four-legged friends in their families understand how this most unconventional of love affairs can soothe and comfort, and even extend our lives. This self-prompted journal helps us reflect on and preserve this deep attachment to our animal soul mates.

Start by describing your dog’s first year and then record the major events of your special friend’s life. Remember the fun, playful, serious and sad times together. Reflect on your dog’s mature years and how you finally said good-bye. Above all, celebrate the love and tenderness you shared.

Customize it yourself. THE LIFE OF MY DOG provides 140 questions in a modifiable MS WORD file as well as a printable PDF file. Either answer the questions by keyboard, digitally insert a picture of your dog on the cover, and then print your complete remembrance book, or print the formatted PDF book, fill it in by hand and attach photos.

Get the first chapter for free by entering your name and email above. Or purchase full book here.