How Empty If I didn't have dogs... I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety. My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated. All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free of hair. When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel. When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading through fuzzy bodies who beat me there. I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would need to get comfortable. I would not have strange presents under my Christmas tree...dog bones, stuffed animals, toys treats nor would I have to explain to people why I wrap them. I would have money...and no guilt to go on a real vacation. I would not be on a first name basis with six veterinarians, as I put their yet unborn grandchildren through college. The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down, come, no, stay and leave it alone. My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates or barriers. My house would not look like a day care center with toys everywhere. My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats, and an extra leash. I would no longer have to spell out the words: b-a-l-l, f-r-i-s-b-e-e, w-a-l-k, t-r-e-a-t, b-i-k-e, g-o, r-i-d-e. I would not have as many leaves inside my house as outside. I would not look strangely at people who think having one dog ties them down too much. I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of "mud" season. I would not have to answer the question "Why do you have so many animals?" from people who will never have the joy in their lives of knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an angel as they will ever get. How empty my life would be.