Dogs. Life.

For most of us, dogs are a big part of our lives. They can entertain us, comfort us, protect us and, from time-to-time, really annoy us. All in all, life is better with dogs in it. So this month, we gave four writers the assignment to write about dogs from four different perspectives. From the struggle of coping with a loss, to the pros and cons of adding a dog to an empty nest, we’ll take you on an emotional — and practical — journey concerning the living, dying and loving of dogs.

For four years, 2010-2014, my family had three Portuguese Water Dogs – Splash, Spray and Ezzie. They are all dead now.

To Dog, or Not to Dog?

If and when to get another dog

My phone pings with a new email notification. “You have three new matches.” I giddily click to review the possibilities of my next relationship. “What has you so engrossed?” my husband inquires as I scroll with avid concentration.

Sit, Stay, or Travel?

The best ways to travel with your dog

The kids have moved out and it’s time to start checking some items off your bucket list. Finally, you have the time and flexibility to travel. Perhaps you dream of traipsing across Europe, or touring America’s National Parks. Maybe, it’s time for that extended visit with your snowbird friends in a warmer climate.

Lesson From a Dog

My old dog Cooper died. He had been shaky for weeks, needing help up and down the porch steps, a boost onto the sofa. He had lost any interest in food. He still went out every morning, and I’d watch him wandering in the increasingly green grass of spring, poking around after whatever varmints had had the temerity to cross our night time yard.

Fido’s Resting Place

How to make final arrangements for your dog

If you ever find yourself in Bethlehem, Georgia, you may want to visit Oak Rest Pet Gardens, which is the final resting place of Bam Bam, a Chihuahua who passed away in 2012.