September 11 - In Memoriam ...

There was a time that I was a contributing writer for a local newspaper. I wrote a dog column, usually about 900 words, and, during my ten year stint, probably covered everything from Affinpinchers to Zebra-striped dog coats. Now, all these years later, it is funny.I can really only remember one column. It ran after the Twin Towers fell.

It was only a few lines. After watching the TV footage and seeing all the photographs that poured into the newpaper office, it was all I could say. "You have shown us the courage of the canine spririt and a willingness to trust that knows no bounds. May we always act in such a way as to deserve it."

That's the thing about dogs - they trust us. And like the Search and Rescue Dogs that were set to work after that tragic, confusing, horrific day, our dogs are willing to do what we ask, when we ask, without pause or question or thought as to how it it going to effect them.

So, on this, the anniversary of one of America's greatest tragedies, I ask you all to hug your dog and remember that he has the same faith and trust in you that the SAR dogs of 9-11 showed us over and over and over again. Say a prayer, too  -  for those we lost and for those we found, and also for us  -   that we find ourselves better people who truly deserve the trust and faith of a dog.