A True Bond

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.

_MG_6285-(ZF-0799-11403-2-001)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

 

38 thoughts on “A True Bond

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks so much. Yes, he really is bonded to me and I to him. 😉

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks, Sam is very cute. 😉

  1. Piglove – In the South BABY – Miniature pot bellied pig and friends - Bacon, Houdini, Hemi and all of the Rock Clan with Journalist Rocky the Squirrel all out looking for adventures from the Hotel Thompson.
    PigLove says:

    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

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Amen, Bacon. Happy Friday to you as well.

  2. My Golden Life – Upstate South Carolina – I love animals, especially dogs. I enjoy US history, and reading biographies of our former presidents and other historical figures. I love the music of the '60s and '70s since I was growing up in those decades. I love the Beatles and Andy Williams equally.
    My Golden Life says:

    I absolutely love this photo of you and Sam! Such devotion in both your eyes and his, to match the devotion in your hearts.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Thanks you, we definitely connected in a special way.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Many thanks for the kind words.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      You’re too kind. Thank you.

  3. 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.”

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      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

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      And it shows in your photos too.

  4. Kismet – New River, Arizona. – I'm a 16 year old Indian Ringneck parrot curmudgeon in New River, Arizona in the wild west country. If you're a sunflower seed, you're dinner.
    Kismet says:

    Your bond with Sam is the only one that you’re associated with that has any interest.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Yup, I should have named him Kreskin! 😉

  5. Fozziemum – I spend my time with my dogs cats sheep and our resident Kangaroos and wildlife...I am embracing all that is middle age..well..sort of!
    Fozziemum says:

    I adore this picture..bonds like this fill me with great big chunks of happy 🙂 Loves Bevxxx

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Aw, that’s the sweetest thing to say. Thank you!

      1. Fozziemum – I spend my time with my dogs cats sheep and our resident Kangaroos and wildlife...I am embracing all that is middle age..well..sort of!
        Fozziemum says:

        It is all true and you are so welcome 🙂 xx

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      He does the real work, I just drive. But thank you for the kind words. He is special.

  6. colinandray – S. Ontario, Canada – My profile photo is of Ray. Despite the fact that I had never had a dog in my life before him, and despite the fact that he carried more emotional baggage than I could ever imagine, he carved for himself a huge niche in my heart.
    colinandray says:

    Looks rather like a “Are we done now? Can I have my treat?” Lovely pic! 🙂

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      😉 Thanks!

    2. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      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.

  7. easyweimaraner – brittany – Weimaraner /Braque de Weimar, born in 2009, male & fabulous From: Britanny / France Likes: Plushtoy-Shredding, Spikebones,long distance Walks, everyday a Gift, Chicken, Shoes, Underwear, my squeekie Pig & my whole Life Dislikes: Water, Cats, Beaf, Cats, cleaning my Ears, Cats, the Vet, Cats, Snow & CATS! Profession: Student of psychological War-technics & Terrorism, after my Masterdegree i become to rule the world or maybe to be the owner of toys r us. actually i'm not sure... Status: Single Pets: Hell, NO! i prefer a petfree home. but owner of two slaves for my comfy Misc.: Greencardowner for Masterbed, Master of Beggin, Prince of Thiefs We decided to leave Easy's datas as they were... although we lost him in november 2016, he is still with us.... and his little brothers Phenny and Nelly promised to write on not as Easy the weim, but as easy Weimaraner... About us: Mr. Phoenix, born 9/9/2016 a virgo and always clever&smart...Neilson, born 7/28/2017 a leo who thinks he is clever&smart...
    easyweimaraner says:

    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)

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      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!

      1. easyweimaraner – brittany – Weimaraner /Braque de Weimar, born in 2009, male & fabulous From: Britanny / France Likes: Plushtoy-Shredding, Spikebones,long distance Walks, everyday a Gift, Chicken, Shoes, Underwear, my squeekie Pig & my whole Life Dislikes: Water, Cats, Beaf, Cats, cleaning my Ears, Cats, the Vet, Cats, Snow & CATS! Profession: Student of psychological War-technics & Terrorism, after my Masterdegree i become to rule the world or maybe to be the owner of toys r us. actually i'm not sure... Status: Single Pets: Hell, NO! i prefer a petfree home. but owner of two slaves for my comfy Misc.: Greencardowner for Masterbed, Master of Beggin, Prince of Thiefs We decided to leave Easy's datas as they were... although we lost him in november 2016, he is still with us.... and his little brothers Phenny and Nelly promised to write on not as Easy the weim, but as easy Weimaraner... About us: Mr. Phoenix, born 9/9/2016 a virgo and always clever&smart...Neilson, born 7/28/2017 a leo who thinks he is clever&smart...
        easyweimaraner says:

        he was a wonderful boy, as black as the koh-i-nor and with the soul of a saint :o)

        1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
          Tails Around the Ranch says:

          Love black poodles! My first was black and the one before Sam was too.

  8. Dakota/Caren/Cody – Michigan – Freelance writer, pet blogging professional, product influencer, half of the writing team behind Dakota's Den and "Cat Chat With Cody & Caren" Most importantly, I am a "pet mom" to Dakota, (Shetland Sheepdog) and Cody (my silver gray tabby!)
    Dakota/Caren/Cody says:

    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.

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      Awww…thanks. He’s quite the special boy. I think I’ll keep him. 😉

  9. Such a telling picture. How lucky you are to have each other!

    1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
      Tails Around the Ranch says:

      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. 🙂

        1. Tails Around the Ranch – Denver, CO – The inspiration behind this blog was one knuckleheaded Standard Poodle named Sam but is now inspired by a House Pony-Wilson. I'm Monika, the upright. Living in the Denver metro area, we post about dogs, rescue and nature. So grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to howl along with our adventures. And don't forget to bark your 'pup-tacular' comment; we'd love to hear from you.
          Tails Around the Ranch says:

          Awk! Accentuates all the wrong things. 😉

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