MORE DOGS....LESS PEOPLE

I WAS 7 YEARS OLD when Benji, the little white Lhasa Apso with vampire fangs, came into my life. On my knees I sat as that 10 week old, high energy, vampire toothed dog...jumped right into my heart. As the years went by, Benji came to love my mother more than me. It could have been the hamburgers and ice cream my mother bought him at the drive through window of McDonald's on a regular basis...or the fact that I drove him crazy by wrapping him up in bed sheets and laughing.... as he sat there trying to fight his way out.

BENJI IS LONG GONE NOW ...and I have enjoyed the sloppy kisses from many four legged friends since the days of the vampire toothed Apso. There was a sheep dog named Tramp, An Irish Setter named Lady, a Sheppard named Sadie, a Great Dane named Austin....and for the past 7 years I have come to know the four legged love of my life...Ollie.

KING OF THE HOUSEHOLD...keeper of the bone, protector of the castle and owner of our hearts. My wife has enjoyed the facial licks of this majestic little white Parson Russell terrier for almost 15 years. Twenty pounds of high energy love and a never ending talent for begging when food is within 50 feet. If you ever drive past our home on Sharon road, there is a good chance you have been spotted by our white fur child as he sits on the sofa gazing out the window.

THE AVERAGE LIFE SPAN for the Parson Russell is about 12-14 years. I ask God just about everyday to give us another 15 or 20 yrs and let Ollie hold the world record for healthy long life.

I just learned of a friend who lost their dog at the hands of a fast driver in front of their house.

I have another friend who has lost two of his three dogs in the past year. I have no problem telling you that when Ollie is gone...our lives will be forever changed. My wife and I have no children...only Ollie. One day.. down the road, we will have more dogs after Ollie is gone and we will love them dearly.

MY WIFE OFTEN SAYS...more dogs..less people. The number of people that walk the earth is not the problem but people really could learn a few things from dogs. It sure would be great if every time we came face to face with friends and family...we got excited about it, wagged our butts a little more expressed unconditional love. I know Ollie makes me smile every time I come home and every time he comes in the room. I hope that you have that affect on the people in your life...and don't be afraid of a big sloppy kiss. Bark less...Wag more.........