D is for Dogs I Have Known - KC Kendricks (2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge)

April 4, 2014
2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge A Rural LifeDay 4
D is for Dogs I Have Known
We’ve made it to the first Friday in the 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge! This year is all about my rural life with a little book promo tossed in at the end for good measure. Thanks for making a stop here at Between the Keys as part of your 2014 A to Z Blogging experience. 
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Only once in my life have I been without a dog. I’d lost a most beloved companion to Cushing’s disease and the thought of “replacing” him was unbearable. I suppose I took his loss harder than most because he was my companion for the seven years I lived alone. He was a pointer-hound mix, and very handsome with incredible yellow eyes that shone with bright intelligence.  In his prime he was a muscular ninety pounds and when people asked if I was afraid living alone, I laughed.
The dog who shares my life these days is an aging black Labrador Retriever. I got him as a pup and helped him develop every bad habit he has. In other words, he’s a bit spoiled. But he’s an excellent companion and if I had to choose between man and dog, it would be a close run thing keeping in mind the dog doesn’t watch sports.  I grieve a little with each new gray hair on his muzzle.
Life has many seasons and looking back, each dog who has shared my life has given me their particular season. Rebel was my youth, and Reba my teenage years. Kelly saw the passing of my father and beautiful Raven with her long feathers my first home. Little Bogart taught me life is sometimes unfairly short, and poor Blackjack that some souls are so damaged that to set them free from pain and fear is the greatest gift you can give them.
I’ve loved all of them singularly for who they were, and I loved them all as Canis lupus familiaris. Each one was a unique individual as identifiable as “self” as any person. The day is coming (far too soon) when it will be time to make a home for another pup. I know while I won’t forgot those dogs who came before this future bundle of joy, I’ll love the new one at least as much.
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Has a dog every been a character in a KC Kendricks book? Yes! Check out Ranger in Kentucky 98 Proof. He’s modeled on Cal, pictured above, and the best dog I ever had.
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You didn’t really think you’d get away without 
a brief book promo, did you?
D is also for DESERT SNOW. 
What happened at the White Party was more
than he ever dreamed possible.

For more information please visit
 my website at 
kckendricks.com/DesertSnow.html

KC Kendricks
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