As long as I can remember, dogs have always been a part of my family. First memory is of my little black cocker spaniel who romped with me in the backyard of my Louisiana home. Followed by the miniature white poodle, an amusing acrobat and a snuggly lap-sitter. Taking only a short respite during my college dorm days, I was back at the SPCA after graduation, looking for the dog to match the name I had already picked out for him. My scruffy little poodle mix, Rupert was delighted to be selected and didn't seem to mind her gender-specific name. Barkley was the black lab my boys grew up with, and finally Oscar, a beagle-feist (who was indeed quite feisty) spent the 14 years of his life surprising and entertaining us. For 25 years my Raleigh, NC neighbors took care of each other's dogs - for short weekend trips or extended summer vacations. Pomeranians, retrievers, hounds, even 2 little pooches who had only 3 legs each (my tripods as I affectionately called them), both of whom later became therapy dogs. Lessons learned from my canine family members: their great gifts to us- Such unconditional love and devotion!