As long as you haven't loved an animal,
A part of the soul remains undiscovered
At Zeus's command, Prometheus created humans and animals. But when Zeus saw that there were far more animals than humans, he ordered him to transform some animals into humans. Prometheus did as he was told, and so it is that some people have a human form but an animal soul.
A man can live without a dog, but it's not worth it.
Heinz Rühmann
Everyone thinks angels have wings. The lucky ones among us know that angels have four paws.
A dog doesn't know how to spell love, but he knows how to show it every day.
It's always the human who doesn't understand the dog. Never the other way around!
Few things give me such a comforting feeling of trust as the loyalty of a dog.
No matter how much time we have with our dogs, it will never be enough!!
A dog makes a decision once, for the rest of its life. It doesn't question whether it truly wants to grow old with us. It simply does. Its love, once we've earned it, is absolute!
The best way to learn about the joy of life is from a dog!
Animals are truly special. Only a true animal lover can understand the joy that a wet dog kiss, a joyful neigh, or a happy meow can evoke in a person.
"That the dog is dearest to me, you say, O man, is a sin? The dog remained loyal to me in the storm, man not even in the wind."
Francis of Assisi
Even the smallest paws leave lasting traces of love in our hearts.
Dogs live only in the present, are not afraid of the future, and do not dwell on the past.
A dog is not an object, a thing, a toy. He is a true friend, a loyal companion, and an important part of the family.
The love of animals is honest and innocent. Animals do not judge and adore us unconditionally.
It is not "just an animal"! It is a beating heart, a feeling soul, and a life that wants to be lived!
Animals possess something that many people lack: gratitude, loyalty, and character.
Choosing to get a pet means committing to it until your last breath, not just until your next vacation.
“I beg you who own me, let me live a life connected to nature. I love to run under the sun, the moon, and the stars; I need to feel the storm winds around me, the touch of rain, hail, sleet, and snow. I need to splash in streams and swim in ponds, lakes, rivers, and seas. You must allow me to preserve my friendship with nature.”
Just one dog?
From time to time, people say to me, "Wake up, it's just a dog!"
They don't understand why one travels these distances, invests so much time and emotion, or incurs the costs that "just owning a dog" entails.
Some of my proudest moments I owe to "just a dog." Many hours have passed in which my only company was "just a dog," but I never once felt neglected or alone. One of my saddest moments was caused by "just a dog," and on dark days it was "just a dog" whose gentle touch brought me comfort and the strength to get through the day.
If you also think it's "just a dog", then you'll probably also know phrases like "just a friend", "just a sunrise" or "just a promise".
It is "just a dog" that brings the essence of friendship, trust, and pure, unadulterated joy into my life. "Just a dog" evokes in me the compassion and patience that make me a better person. "Just a dog" makes me get up early, go for long walks, and look to the future with longing. That is why, for me and for people like myself, it is not "just a dog," but an embodiment of something truly special. All my hopes and dreams for the future, cherished memories, and the pure enjoyment of the present. "Just a dog" shows me what's good about me and distracts me from my thoughts. I hope other people can one day understand that it's not "just a dog," but something that gives me humanity and makes me more than just "a human being."
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog," smile, because they "just" don't understand. When you look into their eyes, you leave all your fears, worries, sadness, and problems behind, because dogs give us the wings we don't have and never will.
Richard Dehmel (1863-1920)
The farewell
Am I, once frail and weak, and is tormenting pain constantly keeping me awake? What you must do then, do alone. The final battle will be lost. I understand that you are very sad. Your hand should not hesitate out of sorrow. On this day, more than ever before, your friendship must endure the hardest test. We lived together through years full of happiness.
Fear of obligation? There's no going back. You wouldn't want me to suffer, would you?
Therefore, when the time comes, please set me free. Accompany me to where I must go.
Please stay with me until the very end. Hold me tight and speak soothingly to me until my eyes close for sleep. In time, I'm sure you'll know it was your love that you showed me. One last trusting wag of the tail, you freed me from pain and suffering.
And do not grieve when you are the one who has to make this difficult decision.
We were so deeply connected. It cannot be that your heart weeps for me.
Forever and ever in your thoughts.