I know I must have confused some people with the photo I use, so I'd better 'fess up. I'm really a woman, but the picture is a reminder of what is important in life, to live in the moment, and be grateful for what you have. The photo is of a fireman who saved a pregnant Doberman from a housefire. He didn't know what to expect and was a little cautious about the Doberman, but he carried her from the burning house, and went on with his work. Then when the fire was over, he sat down on the curb to rest, and the Doberman started walking toward the fireman. The photographer said she had no idea what the dog was about to do. She snapped this photograph as the dog was kissing the fireman. We dog lovers believe it is out of gratitude that the dog kissed the fireman. If any dog lovers want to see the larger photo, PM me, and I will send it to you along with the photographer's story. So, my husband, dogs, and this group have helped me appreciate that we are much more than our crappy (pun intended) diseases and that people will gladly help if you just let them know what you need. I had no idea you all were here, and I see how close some of you are. I feel like I'm butting in sometimes (there goes another pun), but I have gotten the same thoughtful responses as if I'd been here all along. Thank you for being such an open, thoughtful, and welcoming group.

You could never butt in. Or rather we'd never consider it butting in! Or better still, we LIKE people who butt in!

That's a great dog story. Doberman's are quite nice. Mostly just big babies.

kathy

Thanks, Kathy!

You are great. I've been trying to read your lovely "tiara."

Happy New Year? Duh. I finally tilted my computer so I could read it better.

I've noticed how kind and generous you are with your support and outlook; if there is a heaven, there's a special place there for you!

Yes - I am a princess. Alas, it's just a cardboard tiara. It was New Year's Eve on the beach in Hawaii. Now that's heaven.

My daughter is a fire captain with Cal Fire (fights fires ALL summer and autumn) so I love firefighter pics and stories. However, I have instructed her that she is NOT to be on the front lines of ANY fire. Saving pets is okay and preferred though.

Thank you so much for the kind words. [putting payoff in envelope and mailing it now..... ]

kathy

What a great story, and I love the photo!! I must admit, I did think it was you in the photo, so thanks for cluing us in on your real identity and gender. Of course, it really doesn't matter much, unless you start talking about gender specific topics.

I agree, one the the best things about this site is that newbies are welcomed into the fold with open arms. Doesn't matter if you have been with us for five days or five years, we all have something to share. Sure, we have some cliques, but hopefully, none too intimidating or exclusive. I consider the entire membership one big clique!

Jan

Wow, of course I had no clue. Glad you shared that with us! What a great story. Another dog lover here And Dobermans.......they are just gorgeous creatures.

Finally, I figured out how to make the photo small enough to attach! (DUH!) Here is the photo and story --
A short, true and sweet little dog story...

This photograph shows a red Doberman kissing an exhausted fireman. He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire. She is pregnant. The firefighter was afraid of her at first, because he had never been around a Doberman before. When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest. A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, "The Observer," noticed this red Doberman in the distance looking at the fireman. He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do. As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies, and kissed him, when the photographer snapped this photograph.

Red_Doberman3.bmp (299 Kb, 119 downloads) Doberman & Fireman

If only all humans were as appreciative as animals! I have such love and respect for animals; they have that 6th sense - always 'know' when we are down, when we need a little extra love and attention, etc. My husband and I always say that if we win the lottery we are opening up the country's largest animal sanctuary. Any of you want to come work for us? We'll pay you very well and I promise we'll have AWESOME bathrooms!