I enjoyed Tracy's post and have often mused at God's love for me through the eyes of one of my animals. How they adore me, and that they are gifts from Him. And if my dogs (and cat and rat) can look at me with all that love in their eyes, then think of all the love God looks at me with. Oh, if I could only stay as focused on God as my animals do on me.

I need to look at the other side of the coin, though, to the dog left home all week while I went to work. This was my last dog's plight. Her name was Karma, and she was the love of my life. At that time I did not have a job where I could take her with me, so she would sit home alone 40 to 50 hours a week waiting for me to come home. But I dare say, she was a very happy and contented dog. When I was not working and the weather permitted, she went EVERYWHERE else with me. We vacationed together, we hiked together, we sat together, she was my best friend. I'm glad that I did not decide not to adopt because I had to work to provide a living for the two of us. I would have missed one of the best relationships of my life. And when she got cancer, I was able to pay the vet bills because of my job.

I work in a shelter now and my dogs get to go to work with me. They truly have the life of Riley. But I frequently hear people say that they can't take a dog home because they have to work, or they live in an apartment. Is it better that Fido sit in an over crowded shelter, waiting to find a perfect home? Or can sacrifices be made.

I don't think it's about the job or the size of the house, but about the love and dedication you are willing to give a new animal. Tracy and her husband brought Arthur home as a new family member and were willing to do what it took to make it work with him. Arthur knows he is loved. And Karma knew she was loved.

MeLissa, you bring up a VERY good point! I think so much depends on the individual dog and also how the people treat the dog the rest of the week. I know people who leave their dog alone all week long at work and then run around all weekend as well, leaving Fido at home seven days a week except for when the people are home sleeping. Yes, it's still better than having the dog in a shelter, I totally agree, but I want to continue to challenge people who adopt dogs to take great care of them as well. I've found that two dogs are really not any more work than one dog, and for some dogs that extra company during the day makes all the difference between misery and joy while their human friend is at work. Some dogs do great alone all week long, but many are depressed and miserable. I feel so sad whenever I see that. In addition, many behavior problems spring forth from being left alone for so many hours, especially among the working dog breeds. Thankfully, there are now "doggie daycares" springing up all over the place looking to meet this need in our dog friends! Also, some dogs find the company of a friendly cat just as good company as another dog, presenting another option to pet "owners."

I'm glad you brought up the point that you did, because I would much rather have a dog taken home from a shelter even if s/he is going to be left alone all week long.

Hey Ben, just for clarity I wanted to let you know that our boy Arthur bears a much greater physical resemblance to me, grey muzzle and floppy lips as he snores, than my wife. :>} He does, however, bear more resemblance to Tracy in the heart areas of love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace; far more than I am capable of. What more can I say? Cursed with my looks and blessed with Tracy's heart!! Blessings,
Rich

Thank you Ben, and yes, Tracy is the find of my life. A very unique and wonderful person, and an incredible wife. As Phoebe on the show "Friends" once said, She's my lobster! (You have to have watched the show to understand the meaning of the comment.) Blessings,
Rich