Once again Thursday has rolled around and here I am. My topic today is about dogs. My husband and I are both dog lovers. We have two. A shelter dog named Jack. We thinks Jack is a chow/akita mix, however, we say his mama wasn't particular and his daddy was a traveling man. We just know that he is lovable. Our other dog, and Jack's companion, is a golden retriever named Blondie. Blondie showed up in our yard one day and since no one claimed her she is ours.

Our dogs are special to us but today I want to write about two other dogs.

The first one is a black lab named Sadie, who was a pet therapy dog. Sadie passed away recently at the age of 14. Her ashes were buried in the butterfly garden at a local elementary school. The story goes that she would sit with struggling readers while they read to her and that she would often place her paw on their laps in support. She also visited the sick at home and in rehab facilities. Isn't amazing how nonverbal support can mean so much and give so much encouragement. Sadie did all of this for a doggie treat. Sadie will be greatly missed in our community.

The next dog is named Nubs. You may have heard about him and his incredible journey via the internet or People Magazine or Oprah. Nubs is from Iraq. He is the basis of the children's story: Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle. Major Brian Dennis and Nubs initally bonded over a dish of spaghetti. The dog left his pack and crossed 75 mils of desert to find Major Dennis. Now, that is a true picture of man's best friend. I recommend that you read the whole article to find out the rest of the story. Bottom line, Nubs now lives in California.

So if you are out there looking for true unconditional love get a dog. I kid you not, as Jack Paar used to say, give them food, a hug, a pat on the head and they will take care of the rest.