“Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really.”Agnes Sligh Turnbull

Our "puppy" turned two yesterday. In dog years, I think that makes Mack a teenager.

I know he still doesn't have complete reasoning powers, and he definitely has more energy than sense, but still, we decorated the house, showered the dog with gifts (tennis balls, raw hides), and played a day-long game of fetch. (I said "no" to the Birthday String!)

You might be tempted to think the fuss is silly. I understand.

Mack is, after all, "just" a dog. He drinks from the toilet, digs up the garden, and covers my black clothes with yellow fur. He stands right behind me wherever I go, constantly pushes a tennis ball into my leg, and never lets me sleep in.

He pestering is relentless.

I'm a sucker for him.

I'm a sucker for most dogs really. Of course, that's why every dog I've ever owned has utterly broken my heart. Each one has died way before I've been ready to say goodbye.

So much so, that I will never ever, EVER (like, never) watch Marley & Me. I don't have to. I live that life.

Instead, I practice embracing today knowing that today's joy makes the heartbreak some 15 years (Ahem - I'm an optimist!) from now worthwhile.

I know I'm not alone. In fact, I'm always clipping dog quotes from writers and humorists that strike me as true and insightful. These are 15 of my favorites.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings

“Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear.” Dave Barry

Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ” Roger Caras

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. George Eliot

“If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” Roger Caras

“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” Woodrow Wilson

“In times of joy, all of us wished we possessed a tail we could wag.” W.H.Auden

"A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down." Robert Benchley

“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” Martin Luther

"If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them." Phil Pastoret

"Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window. " Steve Bluestone

"The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. " Ambrose Bierce

“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” John Grogan

"I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl." Penny Ward Moser

"God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there." Billy Graham

Happy Birthday to the Happiest Dog on The Planet!

15 Reasons to Celebrate Dogs