The mutts

Some of us who have been fortunate enough to have some great dogs: seeing eye dogs, military dogs, comfort companions for folks who live alone, guard dogs and hunting dogs. Stock dogs and kids who can remember growing up with children's best friend.

Anyway, I read a story once about a starved pup thrown out of a passing car near an old ranchers' place. They gathered him up and the Misses slowly nursed him back to health. The dog grew to be a first-class stock dog.

After a while the wife passed away and the dog searched for her for weeks. Finally, became inseparable to the man.

The next winter the old man passed away. No one could comfort the dog. The rancher was laid to rest on the hill next to his wife. The dog kept disappearing and was always found on their graves. Finally, he was found there with the old man's hat.

They guessed the dog died of a broken heart. That's where they buried him, between the old rancher and his wife. Their daughter had carved on the headstone "The best of friends."

There's been some great family movies years ago - (not like most of the smut Hollywood produces now). Movies like "Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yeller, The Lassie series. Kids just loved those. Movies like those might keep 'em off that there electric junk for a spell.

Remember ol' Ray that ate with the rattler in the jar on the table? And Mickey the snake hunt'n dog? Ray gave me that dog. He was part heeler. I took him to Alaska. He'd chase those big rats out of the garage next to the house we rented in Kodiak.

When he was old he had a skin disease. One winter day, I had to put him away. Only those who have had to do that to a great dog know how it feels. I was a lot younger then but couldn't do it now. When the time comes with my present mutt ol' Doggie Dog, we'll take a trip to the vet. I'll hold him close as life ebbs away.

It's been said that dogs are the only animal that will leave their own for mankind. I have to believe there's some truth to that.