Buster Bruno and Lizzie Lou

We have two dogs. Rat terriers, a male and female. Bruno is 8 years old and Lizzie is 3 years old. They share a special relationship from which we humans could learn from. Rat terriers are very loyal, smart, cunning, agile, friendly, playful, easy going, alert to danger, and loves their human family beyond belief. I remember driving to get Bruno from a family in Nashville. My children were 5 and 7. This family had raised this breed for 40 years and felt assured this was the best dog for children. We quickly fell in love with the solid black male and carried him home. My daughter wanted a female so later in years we acquired her from Sparta, Tn. Bruno and Lizzie enjoy each other so much whether chasing a bird, romping in the yard, or sleeping lazily on the deck. This morning as my husband and myself were eating breakfast and talking, he let them in to be with us. They sit so attentively hoping for a morsel of food then they begin their play of takedown moves. I remember reading the book, Where the Red Fern Grows, as a child, and how I cried at the devotion of two hound dogs. Their love for each other was only exceeded by their love for the young boy who took them hunting. I know one day, Lizzie or Bruno will be left behind. It will hurt, they will lose their appetite, no more romping on a hot summer day, or chasing the neighbors cat as a team. No more bumping around in the dog house to make their space while nosing the other away. Probably the one left behind will continue to look across the yard to watch for the others return. Their relationship isn't replaceable with a toy or thing or another dog. They have made their routine known and feel so comfortable with each other. Marriage. You are thinking how simplistic I am for comparing people to dogs. Maybe herein lies the real life lesson. Simple. Not looking for greener grass, knowing which yard to belong in, keeping a sharp eye out for intruders, being able to play, growl without biting, and love your family until death. Buster Bruno and Lizzie Lou. Four legged creatures who know alot about life.