a little and evaporate into nothingness.

My neighbors, friends and family have owned the best of dogs, the ones with long pedigrees and loaded with canine aristocracy.  They are the breeds known as Afghan, Alsatian, Boston terrier, Chesapeake Bay, Chihuahua, Dalmatian, Doberman, English Setter, German shepherd, Great Dane, Labrador, Maltese, Pomeranian, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Saluki, Welsh collie and Yorkshire terrier.

My dogs were always distant in their kinship ties to these “big dogs” of society.  Their breed was closer to what is known as a mutt, mongrel or fleabag.  They were more like the Australian wild dog known as a dingo.  But they were my dogs.  I fed and watered them and they protected me and joined in my childish games.

George Vest described the dog as, “They one absolutely unselfish friend.”  Bring politics into it and you have William Kunstler speaking of the dog as “A liberal.  He wants to please everyone.”  I learned from my early morning newspaper delivering business as a high school student that a “tail wagging dog” is a welcomed sight.

My first dog was from the hillsides of Cabin Creek, West Virginia, up Abbots Hollow.  His parents must have met in a community dogfight along the creek bank.  He was a protector and a fighter if he had to be. “Fido” could be counted on.  He was always close to me as I grew from early childhood to the end of my junior year in high school.  Mom regarded him as a superior baby sitter and child care specialist.  Nothing to worry about if he was nearby.  No fear of animals, snakes, other dogs or people. 

Grandma Ellis lived close by and her dog had long beautiful hair that was black, brown and white.  Old “Trail” was more dignified looking than “Fido” with his short rust colored bristles.  He was a playful pet.

My third childhood dog was as an Eskimo Spitz, solid white.  He was feisty and liked to bark at anything, even his shadow.  One winter’s day, with lots of snow, we heard him barking as though he was ready to attack some wild animal.  We could also hear him bumping into things as he ran back under our house.  We rushed to the windows to look at some ferocious beast.  In our front yard were two big rabbits.  He was all bark and no fight.  “Tippy’s” gift to the dog world was his white coat, feistiness and much barking.

Dogs are often sensitive to the needs of others.  I have seen them around hospitals.  They bring comfort to patients.  In very poor areas of the world it would not be uncommon to find them in the hospitals to curtail the rat population.

There is an interesting story in the Bible about a rich man, a poor beggar and dogs.  Lazarus was so hungry “he would have gladly eaten the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table.”  It adds, “Even the dogs came and licked his sores” (Luke 16:21).  A sad commentary on man’s concern for others.  Even the dogs may do better.  You can read all about that in Luke 16:19-31.

Along my path I have met a lot of people and a lot of dogs.  They share some characteristics.  I just hope people can tell the difference when we meet.

who were similar, is an interesting way to spend a few minutes.  It is done with gratitude and always with amusement.

Think of the big barking blustering dogs who act like the bravest and most dangerous animals on earth who will take off in a run yelping for help if you stomp your foot and yell “Boo!”  They put on a big front, brag