A good friend to Tarazet, Victor (of the fine blog Publius & Co.) has emailed me with the sad story of a police dog who died the other day when the police car he was travelling in was struck by another car. From NBC4.com in Maryland:
The officer reportedly swerved to avoid the other vehicle, lost control of his car and struck a tree.He was transported to an area hospital with head lacerations. His dog, Jackson, was transported to an emergency animal hospital and pronounced dead.
Jackson [the dog] worked for the MPD for six years and had several arrests to his credit.
Whether for the farmer or herder, or the police, or for the love and protection of your own family, Dogs (yeah, caps) are the most loyal, wonderful, decent, caring beings you could ever introduce into your homes. I really think that God made Dogs just a little-bit extra special.
If you are thinking of "re-decorating" your house, or looking for that perfect compliment or addition to your family -- if you have a lot of love, go to the local animal shelter and adopt a Dog. Yup, they can be trying at times, have a mind of their own, and yes, you have to walk them and care for them and feed them.
The payoff is that you will gain the best friend, the best family member you will ever have.
And remember this!: The average Dog owner lives five years longer than the average non-Dog owner. The average child who grows-up with the companionship of a Dog is less likely to become a criminal, and to have a more successful marriage. I know that seems a strange combination but think about it for a minute: We think we are training them, but really, they are educating and training us!
Dogs ARE special. Adopt one today and start living a better life.