If we all had a dog...

I spent the weekend rereading three books: The Catcher in the Rye, Great Expectations, and The Thrill of the Chase.

A lot of new revelations opened my eyes as I read these stories again. I'm not going to post any spoilers or an analysis of the books because you need to read them for yourselves.

But...don't you think that Holden Caufield may not have needed a time out to "rest up," if he had a dog? Oh, I so want to go into an character study of Holden, and his veiled nobility, but really, you all should read it first. If I get five of you to let me know one way or another that you've already read it (I know my comments don't work for everyone, you can email me at mindyfausey@yahoo.com) I'll post my take on the character of Holden and how it may or may not relate to TTOTC.

But...dogs. Dogs are our best friends. They provide unconditional love when we need it the most. Our beloved friends never laugh at us, never belittle us, never judge us, and never hold a grudge. Every single time, they will come through for us when we ask them to.

I will protect him with my life, forever.

Monet on the top of the couch behind me, making sure I'm okay.

Yes, they sometimes rip up rolls of toilet paper and leave bits and pieces strewn all over the house, then later throw up the bits and pieces they ate and couldn't digest. And yes, they might steal the last piece of steak right off your plate when you aren't looking.

But they also will try to share their favorite toy while you try to write a blog, like right this minute. Monet does this all the time. She will either throw food in my lap or a toy.

I'm pretty sure when she throws food in my lap, she's either wanting to share, or wanting me to take the first bite to see if it's poisoned. I like to think she wants to share.

I always give the food back to her saying something like, "No, I don't want your milkbone. You eat it." Then she'll throw it in my lap a few more times, and I'll pretend to take a bite, and since she's still a puppy and easy to trick, she's satisfied.

Anyway, I researched some amazing things about dogs, and if you don't like them now, you will before you get to the end of this. Unless you're an alien, but I've heard that even aliens can't resist a puppy.

1. Dogs save lives. Lassie isn't just a television show. Dogs have proven over and over their loyalty by countless acts of heroism. These two dogs saved 50 soldiers in Afghanistan, and Americans raised $21,000 to bring them out of the war zone.

2. Dogs are more comforting than Linus's security blanket. They'll let you cry on them, then lick away your tears. I'm pretty sure their drool contains the secret to happiness.

Even dogs who have been abused and mistreated give people a second chance. One of Michael Vick's fighting dogs, Leo, now comforts dying children. Dogs are grateful for second chances, and won't fail you if you give them one,

Leo, proof that second chances are worth it.

3. Dogs will be friends with anyone. Dogs pay no respect to class or species. They'll befriend deer, cats, horses, and even geese. This dog's name is Baks, and he's blind. He has a seeing eye goose named Buttons. Buttons leads Baks everywhere by holding onto him with her neck or honking to tell him which way to go.

4. Dogs are fierce protectors. They'll defend you til the end. In ancient China, an emperor would keep a tiny Pekingese up the sleeve of his robe as a last defense in case of home intruders.

5. Dogs inspire us to do classic things. When Lord Byron was told he couldn't bring his dog to school, he brought a bear instead. Yeah, Lord Byron, you are the man!