Life is Better with a Dog (or Cat)

Our older daughter Jenny Warren is the development director for the CARE Humane Society in Auburn. She has a beautiful heart for the work she does, caring for stray and unwanted dogs and cats, finding good homes for them, and raising money to support their care, maintenance, and adoption. Jenny and Matthew’s children—John Wells, James, and Stella—are dedicated supporters too. They help with special events, take part in temporary care for kittens, and often clean cages on weekends.

I am proud of our Loveliest Village and the good people who help to make Auburn a wonderful place to live, work, go to school, and care for our neighbors. There are people in our community who support the CARE Humane Society generously and anonymously. That alone speaks volumes about the character of our friends and neighbors.

Did you have a dog or cat when you were growing up?

Do you remember the love and comfort you gave

andreceived from your pet?

I have had a dog for as long as I can remember. When my brothers and I were growing up in Auburn in the 1950s, we had a “Heinz 57” dog named “Tippy.” She was a mixed breed with no redeeming features or abilities, but we loved her. Dogs are like that. They don’t require anything more than food and pats on the head. They are grateful creatures. Tippy slept in the storeroom in the carport and ate table scraps. She was not energetic or playful, but Tippy was our dog—and that’s what counts.

I was “adopted” by a stray dog my junior year at Auburn. I gave him the name “Will.”  In Fall Quarter of 1973, Will greeted me on the concourse at Haley Center, waited for me to return from class, and followed me to my upstairs apartment on South Gay Street. Will went to class with me, ate what I ate, slept by my bed, and never complained. When that dog died a few years later, I cried like a little boy.

Have you ever heard someone speak of their “lifetime dog”? My wife Leigh rescued a deaf Australian shepherd puppy that was to be euthanized by the breeder. She named the dog “Rosie” and taught her basic American Sign Language.  Leigh had Rosie certified as an Emotional Support Dog and took her to work each day at the Lee County office of the American Red Cross.

Together for 10 years, Leigh and Rosie visited retirement homes, gave “Reading with Rosie” workshops at local elementary schools, and greeted soldiers deploying and returning from Afghanistan. They were amazing!

My lifetime dog was a purebred Border Collie named Nick. My wife gave him to me as a month-old puppy. Nick was intelligent and intuitive. * He and I were inseparable, and for 14 years Nick was my “church dog” at St. Dunstan’s, the little church on East Magnolia where we ministered to college students, faculty, and friends.

Nick welcomed new people to church. Somehow, he knew when a college student was sad or lonely. He played Frisbee with children and students anytime and for as long as they were willing. He attended every worship service and never once misbehaved.

Thinking of Rosie and Nick reminds me of the line from a Wordsworth poem, “that best portion of a good man’s [or woman’s] life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.” In my experience, that’s a good description of the relationship between a boy and his dog.

We have a new dog—Annie, an Australian shepherd. She is by no means the brightest bulb in the package, but Annie is the happiest dog we’ve ever had. Annie and I walk 2.5 miles every morning on the Rock Fence Walking Trail. She is always eager and ready to go!

I hope these stories of the love we share with our family pets will encourage you to support the good work of Auburn’s CARE Humane Society, come to their next open house, and make a donation or volunteer if you can. Thanks to Mayor Ron Anders and President Pro Tem Beth Witten for their leadership, commitment,  and care for the worthy causes in our Loveliest Village. And remember, we have a leash law and dog waste stations at every city park!