money gives you options. Power gives you attention.
I prefer options without attention.

well....I'm not there yet. My life is too peripatetic. I don't even have a plant ;-). G

I know what that love is about. I used to babysit for my friend's imperial shih tzu (Sugar Shane) and fell in love with the dog. I actually wanted to get one of my own but I learned that I have allergies. Glad you are having this experience, wish I could say the same!

And now I see why the beard and stash are back...you look alike

Hey Brother...We have discussed this before and at length....My two 4 year old Labrador Retrievers bring me into my 8th decade with a feeling like no other. As I have studied and tried to mentor my way of life into living in the moment. Animals are great role models. I enjoy each and every day walking in the woods with them. We hit the beach and the waves several times a week. They sleep soundly next to me. No worries. No dwelling and no "lives of future past." ( Moody Blues ) I am part of their pack as Diane likes to say for she is the pack leader. My travels have interrupted my ability to lead the pack. But I accept that because being just a member of the pack affords me the luxury of being in the "in crowd " so to speak. When I am home we are inseparable. I watch and study them. I read them. I learn from them. Loyalty, Love, Honesty, Integrety and Devotion in an unconditional setting. Senses that are acute. Strong body and mind. Lean and mean. Cardiovascular perfection. I try to emulate their characteristics and life style. So this is who I am now. And you better believe it works for me. In the moment Bro. Reporting live from deep inside the Santa Cruz Mountains in Northern California !

Hollander Sends

For sure!!! We have 4 and I was not a dog person before my wife brought these bundles of love into our life. They truly add love and a smile to each day! Glad you are a convert too!!!

Love my puppy. Even though at 11 years old, she's really not a puppy anymore.

Current lifestyle doesn't give me the oppty to properly take care of a dog, but I have a feeling when life calms down a bit and I can be around more, finding a friend for my family and I will be a part of our future.

I grew up with a cat, who lived to 14 years old. I'd have another cat, but my wife doesn't like them-- says they're sneaky. OK.

I really like dogs also, especially in other people's houses. The kids angled for one but I was not moved. And the idea of walking a dog at night in the cold isn't something I cotton to. That said, dogs seem to love me. We have neighbors who have a little bitty cute dog named Siggi, and they can't leave her alone for more than an hour. So when they do go out for the day, my younger daughter "dogsits". That dog is crazy about me! All she wants to do is sit on my lap, have me rub her tummy and bark incessantly every time she hears the slightest noise. I tell my daughter to take her out for a walk, but that only stokers her affection for me.

Ah, well. At least our youngest has a dog for a few hours ever couple of weeks. And she gets paid something like $15 per session.

Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's.
Both by Mark Twain

I liked a dog, Rusty, my grandparents had when I was young. I used to walk him. My dad had a Shitsu - Chachi. I care not for one. When my brother was growing up and he and my dad and stepmom traveled, we'd watch his hamsters. Our niece has Jackson and they visit with him; Shelly posted to Facebook a pic of the dog making nice to me at my niece's apartment. Do not think I need any more fix than those.

I am not loving my cat the same way. Is it me, or the cat?

Welcome to my world, Fred! Ain't it grand??? :)

I forgot to mention our 23 1/2 year old cockatiel, Dusty, who has given us so much pleasure through the years. I call him our little old man baby bird!

Rodger Davis photo