The ending was, however the most moving part of the entire series. The beginning of the end was perhaps when Katniss, Gale and their team is infiltrating the capitol. After the death of their leader Boggs, Katniss assumes the leadership role and leads the team to the center of the capital. Along the way, Finnick was also killed by some rose scented lizard mutts.

However, rock bottom was when Katniss herself, sees her younger sister, Prim being sent to the frontlines and caught in an explosion. She entered the games in the first book, with one objective, that of saving Prim. In the end, it just goes to show that not even the strongest of people can accomplish anything.

After realizing that she was being used by both the Capitol and the rebellion, she decides to take her life back by assassinating Coin, making sure that she was not a part of anyone’s games. In the end, Katniss is somewhat forced to live with Peeta in district 13, seperated from her family, and Gale.

Some may say that this was a somewhat, sad and disappointing ending, but I believe that Suzanne Collins created the perfect ending. It just goes to show that in war, there are no winners. War results in losses from both sides. This is what Peeta, whether brainwashed or not stated in his interview. This proved to be true.

I have loved dogs my entire life. I can not remember a time I wasn’t drawn to my friends. These four legged creatures have peered into my very soul and have offered up a potpourri of unconditional love and devotion unmatched by humankind. There is an aura around animals, but especially dogs and the loyalty they exhibit is almost divine in nature. I can not imagine life without dogs. I have often said that people who do not love animals suffer from a major flaw in their character.

I don’t know why, maybe because it was easy to say, but all of my childhood dogs were named “Skippy.” My first “Skippy” didn’t last long. My parents and I occupied the second floor of a two story house, with the owner living on the first level. I was only 5 years old when we ventured off to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in search for my new friend. There he was, standing so proudly in his chain linked dog run, with tail wagging in wild anticipation of finding a loving family.  Skippy was a happy and majestic English Setter mix breed and he was a good sized boy. I was ecstatic, until only after a few days, when the owner informed my parents the dog was too big and he had to go. I vividly recall stomping around the owner as he sat on his front steps, tears flowing down my face like a torrential downpour, after we had returned from bringing the dog back to the shelter. In my little memory bank, this one incident took away my boyish innocence and was my initial introduction to sadness and loss.

Within one year we had all moved to another two family house, although this time we lived on the ground floor. It was an inner city house, yet convenient for my dad who only had to walk across the street into the factory where he worked. We lived with my grandmother, grandfather and my uncle Rodger, who was like an older brother because of only a four year age difference. I guess, by today’s standards, we were considered poor, yet we didn’t feel that way. Our home was filled with the glow of family, closeness and love. Still, there was a void in my heart, as it ached for another dog, so off we went, back to the SPCA.

Skippy number two had found a home! He was the mutt of mutts and his mid-sized body was jam packed with strength, endurance and an undying devotion to kids, as he joined all of us in playing, running, or just rolling around. Skippy was stuck to Rodger and me like paste is to wall paper. Leash laws didn’t exist and it was a good thing because our four legged friend would walk us to school, be there when it was lunch time to walk us home and then follow us back for afternoon classes. When the school day ended Skippy would be in the schoolyard smiling, tail wagging frantically, hind quarters swaying vigorously from left to right, as if to say, “Well, where are we going? What are we going to do now boys? Am I going with you guys to the store, park or zoo? Tell me, please, what are we going to do, huh, huh?” I loved that dog and the loyalty he showed was unwavering.

I don’t believe dogs are born mean. I think, just as with humans, these creatures become victims of their environment. Additionally, I feel there is something innately wrong when people viciously take a trusting and loving creature….one who only wants to please those around them…and they take these animals and treat them with abuse, cruelty and in ways most can’t even dream about doing. Living in a multicultural inner city area did not protect Skippy from the elements of a misguided society and unfortunately, my dog could not escape the evilness of mean spirited two legged beasts.

The saga of “My Love of Dogs” will continue with “Part II.”

WRITTEN BY: DENNIS L. PAGE

OTHER ARTICLES WRITTEN BY DENNIS L. PAGE INCLUDE:

http://trifter.com/usa-canada/washington-dc/my-favorite-hotel

http://authspot.com/journals/my-sanctuary-2

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/i-hate-alzheimers-disease

I also find it mind boggling that so many people are willing to spend so much money for a mutt that has been dubbed as “designer” or “hybrid”. These dogs are no different than the thousands of mongrels that have been filling animal shelters for years.

The breeders of these designer animals will often tell potential buyers that they are healthier than purebreds. They claim that by mixing the two breeds you get the best of each in a cute little package. Sure, but along with the good, you get the worst of the original breeds as well.

There doesn’t seem to be any enforced regulations for these kinds of breeders either. It seems that as long as these people give the dog a fancy name and show proof that it has had its first shots they are in business. They simply let nature take its course as quickly as possible and haul in the profits.

But what if the breeder is neglectful in getting the proper shots?

The headlines in Toronto newspapers this week were all focused on a mixed breed dog that was sold to a woman for $200 at a local indoor Flea market. Within hours of taking the dog home it became very sick. Because she was unable to pay for a vet, she took the dog to the humane society, where it was determined that it had rabies.

I was shocked when I read about the puppy having rabies, but was nothing short of appalled when I read that someone who had spent $200 on a dog just hours before could not afford to take the animal to a vet!! If there is anything worse than an irresponsible breeder, it is an irresponsible pet owner. Authorities say that the vendor who sold the rabid puppy did not break any laws, but has been banned from selling any more puppies. The woman on the other hand is free to purchase any animal she wants, even though it is beyond her means to take it to a vet if it becomes sick.

I have two mixed breed dogs that were both rescued. Chancy is an eight year old Retriever and Australian Shepherd cross. We took her in when she was only a week old and nursed her as we had our own babies. Her mother had a litter of eleven puppies and rejected her and a few others. Shadow is almost 17. We adopted her after she was kicked out of the Police Academy, where she was being trained as K-9 NARC (a drug sniffing dog) Her owner said that although she was brilliant at her job, she was forced to leave when they found out she was part Coyote. Their loss was my gain. I could not have asked for a more loving and loyal pet.

For those that find these dogs to be this seasons “must have” accessory, you might consider checking your local humane society or even answering a free to good home add. And remember that it should be your handbag that is designer; not what is peeking out of it.

If you feel you must buy from a designer breeder, at least check them out first. Make sure that they are not running a Puppy Mill.

Things to avoid

• Avoid buying from anyone who calls themselves a breeder yet will not show you where he/she does the breeding. This could be because they do not want prospective buyers to see the condition of the site.
• Avoid buying from a breeder who makes excuses for not being able to have the parents on site for you to see
• Avoid buying from someone who seems too eager to sell and asks you no questions at all. Reputable dog breeders have certain requirements that you must meet before they will sell to you. This can be anything from making sure you have a fenced yard to having you sign a written spay/ neuter agreement.

Things to look for

• A good dog breeder does not breed frequently, as they will breed only when they find what they feel to be a good match in a breeding pair. If both are healthy and have a good temperament, they can better insure that the puppies will be as well.
• Good breeders will also breed only when a certain number of homes have been evaluated and deemed appropriate
• A good breeder will have references available for you. Check references before you buy.