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As a child I grew up with a dog. She was my world. Whenever I felt downtrodden or alone I always knew I could turn to her. She had the best listening ears you could come across. The look on her face showed she understood exactly what I was saying. Sadly she had to be put down the day before my nine birthday. I didn't think I would ever love another dog again. The pain of the loss when they go was just to much. For years I kept by this. My parents had more dogs over the years but I never had much to do with them.

Then around three and a half years ago my brother's dog had a litter of pups. He was able to sell most of them but there was one male left over. While I had still sworn off owning a dog, if I didn't take this dog home it wouldn't get a chance at life. So reluctantly Tom came home with me. Within days I was hooked.
Even as a young pup I could see his commitment to me. He seemed wised beyond his years, taking to training like a duck to water.

Finding words to describe what my dog means to me is not easy. He is more than a pet. It goes with out saying that he is part of the family. I could not imagine life without him. He is my protector, my companion, my confident and a great baby sitter. He follows my youngest child around the garden ensuring that she is always safe.

Recently my daughter just started venturing down a small step into the garden. Previously she would only go if someone carried her, then one day I saw her down there without anybody taking her. I was greatly impressed, I thought this was a big development for her. Wondering how she had managed this feat I kept a close eye on her. The next day I caught her just before she went down. Sitting next to her was Tom. He had placed his head under her hand to give her the support she needed to get down the step. My heart was overwhelmed with love and admiration for my dog. It actually bought tears to my eyes. Two beings that are unable to communicate through language were able to co operate and understand each other.

Seeing my children play with Tom makes me realize I did the right thing bringing a dog into the family. Watching my eldest daughter read him stories and share her secrets takes me back to my own childhood friendship with Onyx. I am glad that she gets to experience the same joy. I am not glad that one day she will inevitably face heartache but that is a part of life. Life is worth living and sharing it with a dog just adds to the worthiness.

Learn more about this author, Rhianna Suttie-Gunson.
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