Home on the Range: A Retriever's View on Turning 15

Friday, May 1, 2015

A Retriever's View on Turning 15

“It`s not how old you are, it`s how you are old.”
― Jules Renard

"Those who love deeply, never grow old. They may die of old age, but they die young."
--Ben Franklin

"If your heart has peace, nothing can disturb you."
--Dalai Lama

"There's a treat in your pocket-- I know it."

Simba the Golden Retriever.

5 comments:

John in PhillyMay 1, 2015 at 7:02 AM
Every time I see a golden retriever, I think/hope it is Einstein from the Koontz novel "Watchers." And yes, I do have a vivid imagination.
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JaneofVirginiaMay 1, 2015 at 8:49 AM
My golden retriever Benjamin is ten. All my dogs are rescues and most now are elderly. Oh how they all make the life of their human beings, so much better !
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Chas S. CliftonMay 1, 2015 at 6:28 PM
Ben Franklin most likely never said that, but he was a sly dog who might have thought that about one of his French or English lady friends, never mind Deborah left at home in America with the thirteen kids.
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SUERTEMay 3, 2015 at 1:16 PM
That's a sweet face........thanks, we have a 13, 14, and 15 year old, they are showing their age, but with grace, they haven't changed one bit.
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SarahMay 4, 2015 at 1:34 AM
What wonderful pics! I just love watching our Lab gray! She's turning into a cranky old girl that is just incredible!
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This is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful pieces of writing it has been my pleasure to read. I hope my grandkids get half of the lessons it can give. Read it, and you cant help but feel good--but you will look at life a little different.

James P - Amazon review

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A perfect book for the thinking person who has lost a beloved pet, this brief yet densely rich memoir draws its power from the author's contemplative, insightful prose. Deeply personal but filled with universal wisdom. An instant classic of the genre. - David Whitewolf, Livermore, CA
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I know when you look at a book and see every single review is a five star review, you think there's no way it can be that good. This book is that good. Ms. Johnson writes deeply of life, love, and learning about both with a terrific teacher and companion, her Barkley. This book will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about life and love in all it's many forms. It will also make you re-think everything you think you know about squeaky toys and white carpeting.
Maureen A. Williams
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Truly a book written with a true love for life no matter what ups and downs it might bring and the love of author and dog for each other. Share both laughter and tears with Ms Johnson as you read this book. And pick a time to read it when you can finish it in one session because you aren't going to want put it down.
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One Nation Under God

As Daniel Webster stated - “Let it be borne on the flag under which we rally in every exigency, that we have one country, one constitution, one destiny”. The flag is not a piece of cloth intended to be worn as a bikini or an outfit for your wiener dog. It is a sacred symbol of a nation. A representation of a promise of freedom. Freedom to life and liberty. The freedom for the law abiding citizen to protect their family and what they hold dear. Freedom to work hard and prosper and enjoy the fruits of your honest labor without fear that it will be forced from you to support the degradation of the Constitution. The flag is more than fabric, it's a promise. I am an American, and I will honor the flag, wrapping myself around it as a patriot would, to protect it, not wrapping it around words or actions to justify that which we know to be a breach of this promise. - LB Johnson

On the white cliffs of Dover
where freedom still dares
and the sand on the beaches
lay quiet as air;
on the bluffs lies an aircraft
who naught made it home
comrades anxiously waiting
at the Norwich Airdrome.

Hope flew in their hearts
like an eagle above
while they waited in silence
for friends that they love;
but ghosts can't come back
bearing the tales
of flying home crippled
as only courage prevails.

They'd traveled so far
to set down their life
leaving just memories
amidst all the strife;
as night waned on the cliffs
and the sea mourned alone
All that was left
would be a headstone.

We'll always remember
the deeds that you've done
as we look at old photos
faces eternally young;

The white cliffs of Dover
stand in freedom today
because of your courage
and the price that you paid.

-Brigid