Bonds. There are many different kinds of bonds in this world. For instance, there are the savings bonds that your grandmother probably gave you for a birthday years ago which you cashed in as soon as you could. And as I’ve mentioned in the past, I work in the legal field: Public Finance to be specific, otherwise known as municipal bonds. Does your community need a multi-family housing project built or an extra airport runway? Firms like the one I work for will be involved handling the sale of those bonds which pays for those kinds of infrastructure. But no, in this case, the kind of bond I’m referring to is the bond you establish with a dog. That connection of the purest kind of love.
As part of a pet therapy team, it’s critical that Sam and I maintain a strong bond and that he responds to all commands. Sam relies on me to make sure he’s safe in a potential hazardous environment with patients where a wrong move with health equipment, bodily fluids, etc. could potentially leave either of us at risk. We work hard at connecting on the same level so that no mistakes result in any kind of problem for us or for the patients we see.
No where do I see that special bond more front and center than when I see this photo from the recent Bubbles and Balls rescue benefit where Sam is totally focused on me. I can’t get over how well Ariane from DelaFoto Pet Photography captured that bond. Sure, I joke about this doofas being dimwitted, (selectively) hearing impaired and downright stubborn at times when it suits his personal agenda, but when the chips are on the line, that face, that spirit is what we need when we go into a hospice room. I know then he’ll share it with whomever is in that bed, or with whomever is visiting the patient across from them. He’ll check in with me (after he tries to check out whatever might be in the wastebasket, of course-remember he’s still a doofas!) and then he’ll zero in on who needs him the most in that room.
We all love our pets dearly and they each hold a special place in our hearts for any number of reasons. With Sam and I, we have to expand that place for the work we do. And that is where this bond really comes into play. And it’s that kind of bond that means the world to everyone who sees or needs it, but no one more so than me. All told, I think he kind of likes me, what do you think?
Live, love, bark! <3
Truly special..this bond. Lovely pic..Big hugs
Thanks so much. Yes, he really is bonded to me and I to him. 😉
I love that photo!
Thanks, Sam is very cute. 😉
The bonds that we anipals have with our humans are priceless. We pick up on their moods and needs. It is very dear and special to both. I can relate to that. Happy Friday my friend. XOXO – Bacon
Amen, Bacon. Happy Friday to you as well.
I absolutely love this photo of you and Sam! Such devotion in both your eyes and his, to match the devotion in your hearts.
Thanks you, we definitely connected in a special way.
It’s a great photo and does show the bond, absolutely.
Many thanks for the kind words.
Beautiful!
You’re too kind. Thank you.
I can’t tell you how much I love that photo. It clearly shows the love and bond between the two of you. That photo is definitely “A picture says a thousand words.”
Aww, that’s so sweet, thanks! Yeah the photographer always says that Sam is really tuned in to me and hangs on every word. Funny how that changes when we’re alone on our walks where he can barely be bothered to listen! BOL
Me and Stanley are very bonded to our pawrents (and each other).
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
And it shows in your photos too.
Your bond with Sam is the only one that you’re associated with that has any interest.
Poodles are remarkable animals, knowing how to read our minds.
Yup, I should have named him Kreskin! 😉
I adore this picture..bonds like this fill me with great big chunks of happy 🙂 Loves Bevxxx
Aw, that’s the sweetest thing to say. Thank you!
It is all true and you are so welcome 🙂 xx
Perfect shot! You can see the bond manifested so well.
I think you are brave to do the work you do with Sam at the hospital. The picture is really special and tells a story. LeeAnna
He does the real work, I just drive. But thank you for the kind words. He is special.
Looks rather like a “Are we done now? Can I have my treat?” Lovely pic! 🙂
😉 Thanks!
What and miss out on being on my lap? Not a chance! That boy will do anything to stay close to me, even if it means ‘posing’ for pictures.
you are a super team and I always thought that poodles have a specal kind of “poodle-magic” and I think Oliver the poodle was the reason that I love dogs so much. I remember the face he made when I read stuff from my schoolbooks to him and he was the first one who saw my first big fat F in math :o)
Every dog provides magic for their owners, but I can say Sam has been quite remarkable with the way he communicates his devotion. Oliver-what a great name for a poodle!
he was a wonderful boy, as black as the koh-i-nor and with the soul of a saint :o)
Love black poodles! My first was black and the one before Sam was too.
That photo is PRICELESS and I sure hope you frame it! The way you BOTH are looking at each other is just incredible. So much love in that photo.
Awww…thanks. He’s quite the special boy. I think I’ll keep him. 😉
Such a telling picture. How lucky you are to have each other!
Yes, that photo does tell a story doesn’t it (forget that it says I look terrible in that smock). The rest is all good. 🙂
Aw, Sam loves his mama. You both look great – I like the smock! 🙂
Awk! Accentuates all the wrong things. 😉