For 30 years, my dogs have made me feel important. Often, I’ve had three at a time. All of them have always been thrilled to see me, even when I’m in a bad mood. People who are not fond of dogs tell me they only act that way because I feed them. I tell them they are nuts.
Over the years, many of my dogs chased every ball I threw. A few of them even returned the ball to me. They rarely do as I request, but that’s okay. They are dogs, not indentured servants.
If you are aging and feel pangs of loneliness, I advise you to get a dog. I’ve had lots of nice neighbors but none of them have been thrilled to see me come home.