Tis better to have loved and lost...

So on this day in 1850, Alfred Lord Tennyson became the British Poet Laureate.  But you knew that, right?  OK – I didn’t either – but now we both know.  Tennyson was one of Britain’s best loved poets – you, no doubt are familiar with one of his famous lines: “’Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.” While some people may think of this line as applying to humans and a loss of a romantic love – it could just as easily apply to that difficult time when a canine goes to the Rainbow Bridge.   Think about it.  And of course, for a more comedic interpretation – well I have my own take on this quote – which I will get to in a minute.

When I look at the history of famous humans, I always like to see if they were owned by a dog.  And sure enough – Tennyson had a dog named Karenina.  Apparently, Karenina was a “Siberian Wolfhound” and a gift of the Russian Imperial Court.   As I understand it, she accompanied him on long walks in the countryside and was immortalized in a statue of the two of them which stands in the Cathedral Green in Lincoln, UK.  Clearly the artist, Watts,  recognized the bond between the poet and his dog – and felt it important to depict them together.  Although I did read somewhere that the statue of Tennyson would topple over without the dog there.  But then again– most humans DO depend on us canines to keep you stable…

So now to MY quotes  - ‘Tis better to have played 15 rounds of fetch, and lose the ball in the woods, than never to have played at all.

‘Tis better to have shared a banana, than never to have had a banana at all.

“Tis better to have chased the bunny and lost him, than to never have participated in the chase.”  At least I think so.  But not so much my human…

‘Tis  better to have cleaned up puppy pee, than never to have owned a puppy at all.

That’s it for today.  It’s Sunday – but it’s looking like we have a rainy day ahead. Time for some indoor Find the Bunny.

Have a good one.  Peace and paws up!