[Hal Copple]

I have been partial to dogs ever since i was a kid, we got a mongral dog when i was in the third grade, that faithful dog was still watching after my folks when i came back from Vietnam. Had a great life, old Smokey did, the only dog we ever had in my youth.

It is interesting to read recently the theories about how dogs came to be "man's best friend" over the past 10K years or so. It is thought that dogs are absolutely tops of all animials at sensing their master's moods, even compared to chimps, and of course the Ever Clueless Cats.

We have had our dog now for about five years, and i can sure understand how folks can get attached to such an ever trusting, ever faithful animal. Unlike some women, who will often let us menfolk down, (see first wife), a dog is a true friend for life.

We actually have a cat for daughter Becky, and boy, cats have no loyalty at all. Cats are the most conceited animals God ever created.

Just read about a dog in England, it's disabled master fell in the tub, was there for five days, his dog brought him things to drink, and finally managed to get help for him. And many years ago, my cousins in Fla really were saved from a great Diamondback by the intervention of the pet dog. Cats would never think to help out.

Cats are faithless, dogs truly are man's best friend. If you were setting out with the Donner Party in 1848, or some other long wagon trip to the Promised Land, would you have taken your dog or the family cat? Besides, if things are really tough, you can always eat the dog.

Here's one to Abby, our family dog.