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Throw-Away Dog
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog’s Life
By Joyce Laird

The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind.
~Theodorus Gaza

Five years ago I had to do what every dog lover dreads the most, bring peace to a suffering friend and companion who had been at my side for eighteen years. My Lady Bear, a white Husky, could no longer walk, and at my age and with my arthritis I could no longer lift the large girl to carry her outside. I decided that after fifty years of dogs in my life, their lives were too short and mine was too long. Even though I figure I have about twenty years left, maybe more, and that would be about two dog lives, I was not going to get another and go through the pain of losing one again. But as the weeks turned into months, and even though I love my cats, I missed a dog around the house. My heart ached for Lady Bear. I missed the walks, the playing outside, the look of love in a dog’s eyes when she looks up at you.

I started looking online and in the papers to see what a new pup would cost. I wanted either a Husky like Lady or maybe a Collie like my first two dogs. I’d always had big dogs. When I saw that breeders were asking three times my mortgage payment for a pup, it ended my search. I definitely could not afford it and even though my heart goes out to rescuing pets, I was loathe to try the animal shelter because any dog at my house had to get along with cats. I didn’t want to bring one home, have a drama ensue, and then have to return the poor thing. So I simply stopped looking. (Keep reading)

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Pets & More

Save 20% on select Chicken Soup for the Soul wet dog food on Amazon. Limited time only. Photo of three Chicken Soup for the Soul Classic dog food cans stacked on wooden kitchen table.

The International Day of Happiness is celebrated throughout the world on March 20, 2025. This day informs people about the importance of happiness in our everyday lives. At Chicken Soup for the Soul, we believe that pets are a source of energy and joy, making home a healthier, happier place to be. Check out our blog on Man’s Best Friend: How He Learned to Smile.

 

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photo collage of two large dogs and a chihuahua, grey kitten, green parrot, and tan rabbit

A new topic for your submissions! We’ve made plenty of bestselling books about dogs and cats, but what about all your pets? Share your entertaining, amusing, or heartwarming stories about your pets for a new book scheduled for fall of 2025! Click here for more information on how to submit, including writing guidelines and other FAQs. There will be 101 stories, so there are lots of opportunities to become a published author with Chicken Soup for the Soul!