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Monday, 30 August 2021

Man's Best Friend

 Photo by Oscar Sutton on Unsplash

"Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail." (Kinky Friedman)

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.
 

(Rudyard Kipling)

Dogs of all shapes and sizes flocked to the dog show at our village fete yesterday. Categories included "Waggiest Tail", "Celebrity Look-Alike", "Golden Oldie" and "Best Six Legs" (dog and owner). It was a popular event with a Red Setter finally winning "Show Champion Class, The Dog the Judges Would Most Like to Take Home."

I don't own a dog (I don't think my two cats would take too kindly to a canine intruder), but grew up with a Golden Cocker Spaniel called Rusty, and my husband loved a Schnauzer called Jason. There are some dogs though, especially big ones, that scare me and some that I find unbelievably smelly. Yet judging by the number of pooches and their owners enjoying themselves on the village green yesterday, it seems we really are a country of dog-lovers, prepared to put up with smells, muddy paws and picking up the poo!

Anyone who's ever loved and lost a dog (or any pet for that matter) will empathise with Kipling (above).  Read his full poem here.

Click here to see the UK's top most popular breeds and here for some interesting quotes about dogs. 

Writing Prompts:

  • Write about a dog you know, or have known. If this raises sad memories, set a timer and limit yourself to seven minutes. 
  • Why do you think so many people have and love dogs? What need do they fulfil? How is that different from cats? Explore your answers in your writing. 
  • If you were a dog, what breed would you be? Imagine you are that dog and write about your day.

 

 

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