Love For & From My 4-Legged Son: How an ordinary golden retriever became an extraordinary dog. Michael N Marcus

      

      203.878.8383

       [email protected]

       www.SilverSandsBooks.com

      Copyright 2017 Michael N. Marcus,

      All rights reserved.

      Published in eBook format by Silver Sands Books

      Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com

      Version 6.06 W2013

      ISBN: 978-0-9988835-0-2

      Paperback’s ISBN: 978-0-9830572-6-0

      Paperback’s Library of Congress Control Number: 2017903614

      FINE PRINT: Unless otherwise noted, contents of this book are © Copyright 2009-2017, Michael N. Marcus. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to quote brief sections in reviews or articles and to store the book in your e-reading device. Please use the email address on the previous page for corrections, questions and comments. If you’re a copyright holder of any material used in this book and want it removed, please use the email address on the previous page. Portions of this book were previously published online and in other books by the author. Some details in anecdotes were slightly changed. Website addresses may have changed. Some text appears in several sections. This is deliberate—not an error. This book is intended to provide help and entertainment. While I’ve learned a lot from life, I am not a doctor, lawyer, plumber or veterinarian. I have tried to provide accurate and useful information. If faced with a major decision, please consult a qualified professional./mnm

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      Dedication

      This book is dedicated to every dog, and to

      every human being who has ever loved a dog.

      Dog people are the best people.

      Epigraphs

      “Many of us have more love inside than we know what to do with, but are too bottled up. Which is where dogs can come in. With them, we can let our love flow freely without fear of being judged or rejected. They are like safety valves.”

      —Amy Sutherland in The New York Times

      “We don’t get to keep our animals. We just borrow them. It’s important to make every day a good day. People who abuse animals deserve to suffer for eternity. People who don’t like dogs don’t know what they’re missing.”

      —Michael N. Marcus

      “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”

      —Groucho Marx

      Preface

      How does a dog become extraordinary?

      I am convinced that every human being is born with a unique set of abilities. So is every dog.

      Humans who excel at singing, swimming, painting, acting, cooking, running, writing, inventing or telling jokes can probably find an audience and be rewarded.

      On our human-dominated planet, however, it’s not that way for dogs. There’s no way for an extremely talented pooch to enter athletic competitions, star in a TV show or be the subject of a book without the help of a caring human partner.

      Most creatures more advanced than an insect have the potential to excel—to become extraordinary. But they require support of human allies to reach their full potentials, even if the human wants a dog who’s friendly but not necessarily worthy of fame.

      How do you show love to a dog?

      It’s not much different from people. Dogs appreciate kind words (even if they don’t understand the words), embraces, kisses, rubs, toys, games, adventures, new experiences, care, comfort, safety, cleanliness and food. Especially food.

      We must be observant, analytical, stimulating, supportive, encouraging, educational and available.

      If you are all of that, your dog will excel and thrive, and your love will be returned many times over.

      How does a dog show love?

      Kisses, hugs, holding hands, compassion, protection, help, doing tricks, maybe even sharing food.

      MNM

      Important Questions

      Q: Why do dogs lick themselves?

      A: Because they can.

      Q: Why can’t dogs dance well?

      A: Because they have two left feet.

      Q: How do you catch a runaway dog?

      A: Make a noise like a cookie.

      Q: What breed of dog does Dracula have?

      A: A bloodhound

      Q: What goes tick-tock, bow-wow, tick-tock, bow-wow?

      A: A watch dog

      Q: Why does a dog wag its tail?

      A: Because no one else will wag it.

      Q: Why did the dog cross the road twice?

      A: He was trying to fetch a boomerang.

      Q. How do you keep a dog from barking in the back seat of a car?

      A. Put it in a front seat.

      Q: What does a puppy become after it’s one year old?

      A: Two years old

      Q: What do you get when you breed a dog and a calculator?

      A: A friend you can count on

      Introduction

      Hunter J. Marcus (my “four-legged son”) lived for fifteen years and three months. He was a golden retriever and the typical lifespan for a “golden” is ten to twelve years, so he definitely had high mileage.

      His death was not violent, sudden nor unexpected—but was nonetheless tragic.

      I could not be more miserable because of the loss of a human child.

      I never thought of Hunter as a pet, and certainly not as a possession. He was a housemate, child, playmate, co-conspirator, fellow traveler, and—most of all—my best buddy.

      I used to say that Hunter soared like an eagle, swam like a porpoise, ate like a shark and often thought like a human.

      However, Hunter did not win any ribbons or trophies. He was not a superstar. He had no special training. As a baby he was not chosen because of his