If I Didn’t Have Dogs.

 <I>1. I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

2. My house could be carpeted without worry.

3. All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture and my car would be free of dog hair.

4. When someone comes to the door it wouldn’t sound like a kennel.

5. When someone came to the door I wouldn’t have to wade through dog bodies who always beat me there.

6. I could sit on the couch the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable.

7. I would not have strange presents under my christmas tree — like dog bones, stuffed animals — or have to answer to people why I wrap them.

8. I would not be on a first name basis with three vets.

9. The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: "Out" "Sit" "Down" "Come" "No" "Stay" and "Leave Him/Her/It ALONE!"

10. My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers.

11. My pockets would not contain things like poo bags, dog treats and an extra leash.

12. I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

13. I would not look strangely at people who think having their ONE dog ties them down too much.

14. I’d look forward to Spring and the melting of snow instead of dreading "Mud season."

15. I would not have to answer the question, "why do you have so many dogs?" from people who will never have the joy in their life of knowing they are loved unconditionally by something as close to an angel as they will ever get.

How empty my life would be…</I>