I live rural, in the wilderness, almost. Here we call it the "Universal _______Distribution System." Fill in the blank with cat, dog, chicken, turkey, we've had them all. Whatever the Universe decides needs us, or we need at any given time arrives. Sometimes for a while, sometimes for a lifetime. What a blessing it always is. Useless protected you, loved you and was loved. That's what matters. Thank you for sharing her story. Love, Virg
The irony of a dog named ‘Useless’ when they are capable of so much more than we even know yet is not lost.
Our dog Piper (2008-2025) was eerily an Empath. She would lean into to 2 diff sick friends. 1 who eventually died of brain cancer, the other of kidney disease. If she stared and leaned in, in her way with a guest in our home, I always felt a dilemma. She was also a comfort to me when I needed it. What a underserved gift dogs are.
This touched my heart. I love animals so much, they are such special beings. I’m glad you had her for as long as you did. It must have been hard when she didn’t return.
I don't know that the 'loss' registered all at once. It was a gradual process and we were growing up fast. It kinda felt natural. I feel it more now than then.
I think sometimes it’s hard to imagine that even animals have their own agendas, their own tasks and things they feel they need to do. I’m glad for a while at least, that Useless was looking after you.
A sweet story that reminds me of how I miss my two former dogs. Life is much more pleasant with an animal in our midst. Love the way you describe the ownership!
We don't deserve dogs. They're too good for us.
Truth. But, then again, they’re telling us that we do.
I live rural, in the wilderness, almost. Here we call it the "Universal _______Distribution System." Fill in the blank with cat, dog, chicken, turkey, we've had them all. Whatever the Universe decides needs us, or we need at any given time arrives. Sometimes for a while, sometimes for a lifetime. What a blessing it always is. Useless protected you, loved you and was loved. That's what matters. Thank you for sharing her story. Love, Virg
Angels come in many forms.
Awww, this reminds me of Wendell, our neighbor’s dog who felt like he belonged to all of us 💕
“Useless wasn’t. She never was.” What a tender story. I love the idea that she stayed as long as she was needed, then found the next place to belong.
It is a piece of magic for my childhood...it lingers, still.
That’s exactly it — it lingers. The best childhood magic does. It keeps living somewhere in us. ✨
Thank you for celebrating Useless! A pleasure to read.
I'm glad it meant something to you, Nora.
The irony of a dog named ‘Useless’ when they are capable of so much more than we even know yet is not lost.
Our dog Piper (2008-2025) was eerily an Empath. She would lean into to 2 diff sick friends. 1 who eventually died of brain cancer, the other of kidney disease. If she stared and leaned in, in her way with a guest in our home, I always felt a dilemma. She was also a comfort to me when I needed it. What a underserved gift dogs are.
There's nothing like them. Sorry for your loss.
What a poignant realization that she wasn't yours to keep, but a guardian who stayed exactly as long as you needed her ✨
Yes.
I’ll look at my dogs a little differently today.
I hope that's a good thing. ;)
Love this. I prefer their company far more than of certain people... :)
...most people? ;)
Yes… life issues:)
This touched my heart. I love animals so much, they are such special beings. I’m glad you had her for as long as you did. It must have been hard when she didn’t return.
I don't know that the 'loss' registered all at once. It was a gradual process and we were growing up fast. It kinda felt natural. I feel it more now than then.
I think it would be hard.
This made me think of "The Prayer of the Dog," from PRAYERS FROM THE ARK, by Carmen Bernos de Gasztold; English translation by Rumer Godden.
Lord,
I keep watch!
If I am not here,
who will guard their house?
Watch over their sheep?
Be faithful?
No one but You and I
understands
what faithfulness is.
They call me, "Good dog! Nice dog!"
Words. . .
I take their pats
and the old bones they throw me
and I seem pleased.
They really believe they make me happy.
I take kicks too
when they come my way.
None of that matters.
I keep watch!
Lord,
do not let me die
until, for them,
all danger is driven away.
Amen.
Yes! I love this one.
There's a sequel, by the same original author and the same translator, which is called THE CREATURES' CHOIR.
I think sometimes it’s hard to imagine that even animals have their own agendas, their own tasks and things they feel they need to do. I’m glad for a while at least, that Useless was looking after you.
It is a magical memory. Thank you for reading and taking the time to say HI
Such a sweet yet powerful story. That you were hers really touched me and lingers. <3
I have heard it said, "Dogs have owners. Cats have staff." I think dogs have family.
<3
Cats have family too, but they have more of a tendency to agree with Joyce's cat Graymalkin: "Half the legs = half the brains...."
What we call ours was only passing through.
as is so often the case.
A sweet story that reminds me of how I miss my two former dogs. Life is much more pleasant with an animal in our midst. Love the way you describe the ownership!
Thanks, Candy. I don't know what I'd do without a dog.