When I was a child living in Ecuador, dogs, as well as a menagerie of animals that belonged to my grandmother, were part of my every day life. What I didn’t know then was how important dogs would be in my life and how much they would teach me about love, patience, determination, and so much more.
My love affair with dogs started with a funny looking dog that belonged to my mom. His name was Bambino and although my sister said that he was ugly, to me he was a handsome dog. I’d take him for walks; pick him up and cuddle him like a baby; and take him to the beach. One day a dog attacked him and severed his spine so my mom had to put him down. My whole family cried. But, and this did surprised me, although he was not my dog I was heartbroken. So much so that I made a promise to myself, “I will never get another dog because I don’t want to have my heart broken, period.”
10 long years went by and I kept my promise, but this changed on a trip to Ecuador. Cynthia felt in love with a puppy that we named Casey, and although I tried to dissuade her from taking this tiny ball of fur with us she would not budge, and so my love affair with dogs resumed. I am not going to lie, I’ve had my heart broken multiple times since then, and I’ve felt the loss of all those canine companions I met along the way, both the ones that were mine and those that belonged to my clients, but you know what? The only thing I regret is waiting 10 years to get a dog. Funny, or ironic, depending on how you look at it. I’d rather go through the pain that I know I will face every time I lose a dog rather than not having one in my life.
AllMyCanineCompanions 
We are not pet owners ourselves, however, when I was a child I had fallen completely head over heels for my cousins black lab. He was such a friendly dog and we had a lot of fun playing with him on the beach and at family cookouts. I still remember the heartbreak of losing this family member as though it was our own. As a result, I can relate well to your message.
Amazing that as child you felt his absence. Thanks for stopping by:-)
Despite the heartbreaking loss when they leave, they fill our hearts with so much love, it’s impossible to not have them with us.
Yes, they really do:-)
Oh that looks a little like me and my bro Buddy from Gospelofgoose.blogspot com :o)
You are right:-)
Yes, I know that intense pain of losing a pet you love dearly, and it never does get easier, but the the time you share with those animals is worth every tear when they pass. My heart still aches when I think about the many pets I’ve lost over the years, but the memories I have of those special animals never fails to bring a smile to my face. I simply can’t imagine life without my cats and dogs (and even those silly chickens!).
You and me both:-)
Yes, I know your message very well and the same applies to cats. When the dogs and the cats are a friends to one another team your message is even stronger.
I bet it is:-)