The Dogs of Christmas

• December 8, 2023

DIANNE/S DOGHOUSE

The Dogs of Christmas

Photo credit – Deb Chandler
When I was nineteen, newly married, first time confronted with bills and living away from home, I needed to learn a lot about connection, closeness, and safety, and something inside whispered “a dog-you need a dog.” Fortunately, I was lucky enough to listen.

Rusty was one of many that have been with me in my seventy-five years of living. My dogs have taught me that they have their own unique loving way of teaching me, that in times of crisis, in times of celebration, in times of daily life… we are not alone. A wag of a tail, a lick, and a hug are some of the ways my pups have expressed their love. Every day my pups tell me, ‘I adore you.’

Photo credit – Deb Chandler

Dogs bring people together. As I walk up the street with one or all three dogs, I see smiles on the faces of people passing by or driving to work. Next, we come to all ages of children waiting for the buses and believe it or not, they put their cells phones down and drop to the sidewalk to snuggle with the pups.

Should you consider adopting a dog or getting a pup from a breeder, these are the lessons you will learn from your new pup:

1. Talk or woof less and listen more.

2. Don’t waste time worrying about what doesn’t matter.

3. Let Grandpa ramble on about his younger days.

4. If you are sick—go to bed.

5. Cherish every moment.

6. Kiss when you feel like it.

7. Forgive when you don’t feel like it.

8. Laugh and hug.

9. Marvel at what the world looks like through the eyes of some of

God’s most loving creatures.

Blessings and Merry Christmas,

Dianne Hammontree, Secretary of Homeward Bound, Inc.

Can you find puppy “Joy” in the picture?

ASHLAND WEATHER