...'Howling into the empty air". All Good Dogs remember. All Good Dogs wait.

A Labrador Retriever made its way on to the platform of a local service station one day.  He sat down near the corner of the garage and began howling into the empty air.  Weeks passed as the dog would return every morning until the station owner closed shop in the early evening hours.  The next morning, the dog would return, sit down and wait by that same garage corner and howl.  Occasionally, the station owner fed the animal and placed a bowl of water for the animal to drink.  One evening, the station owner attempted to take the dog home but the animal resisted his prodding to get into the car.  Curiously, the station owner began asking customers about the dog.  The next day a man came forward and claimed to know the owner of the canine.  The man said, “The master of this Labrador frequents your gas station on a regular basis.  Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, he was involved in a very serious car accident and has been unable to locate this dog.”  The stranger offered to return the lost pooch to the owner.  The stranger said, “The dog’s master will soon be released from the hospital and is looking forward to re-uniting with his furry friend.”  The Labrador willingly got into the strangers’ vehicle and was returned back to his owners’ care.  The highlight of this story is to signify how all good dogs remember their master and patiently await his return.

 

“A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes; a water logged stick will do ‘just fine.  A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb.  Give him your heart; and he’ll give you his.  How many people can you say that about?  How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special?  How many people can make you feel extraordinary?”

(Marley & Me, 2009)