By Ray Cardello for April 20, 2026, Season 35 / Post 8

I needed a break today from politics and corruption. I fear those two words are becoming synonymous. There was a comment on one of my articles last week, and it made me smile, but it was also quite sad. I have been writing nearly every day for over 5 years, and the tone of politics and the divide in this country can put you in a dark place. For all the positive gains that some of us can see in America since 2016, the other side has torn them to shreds as unlawful or dangerous to democracy. I wrote last week about my observations of coverage on MSNOW and CNN, and it prompted one of my regulars to say: “You are a hero to watch all that crap. Rush used to call that show prep. Thanks for watching so we don’t have to.” He was right about one thing: it is all crap. Every time I venture to the other side to see what they are reporting, or not reporting, I realize these people are more fictional novelists than journalists. They are living in a fantasy world.

There is a saying I have loved for years: God gave us friends to make up for family. There are many variations, but I have always felt the premise was quite accurate. I am going to take it a step further and say that God gave us dogs to make up for liberals. I absolutely love dogs, and they always make me remember how much I prefer them to spending any time with a liberal – sad statement, but true. I have been involved with the adoption of three dogs in the last 15 years or so, and when I look back, they all had a purpose, though it was not the reason for the adoption. God just made it so. These pups were adult dogs, which to me makes the bond between us a tad more special. I have written two children’s books about these beautiful souls and am working on a third. The links are below. They are free, and your kids or grandkids might enjoy them.

Rosco was a Puggle I brought home after a long-time relationship left home. Rosco became my best friend, filled the void, and just enjoyed life. I enjoyed him, and he still brings a smile to my face years after he has passed. I lay next to him on the kitchen floor for an entire day as he passed. I owed him that.

Jazzee Girl is a beautiful Border Collie that Shay and I adopted when she was 9, and both her owners had passed. She was a bundle of energy and love and came to us a week before COVID hit. The three of us survived the epidemic together, but Jazz made it much more tolerable. She is 15 now. Still full of love but not so much energy. Her back legs are weak, but the vet says she is not in pain, and we do whatever we can to make life easier on her, even if it means carrying her out at three in the morning.

Then there is Luna, an incredible Border-Aussie mix who has stolen my heart. She was five when we brought her from Texas, and she entered our lives at the same time I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. She did not cure me, but she certainly took my mind off my disease when I looked at her, which is usually when she is lying at my feet. I was trying to get Jass’ attention the other day, but the poor girl could not hear very well. Luna sensed the situation, went over to her sister, and tapped her twice on the head to get her attention. Don’t ever try to convince me that dogs are not part human.

They are better than humans. They do not judge and exude unconditional love to those who love them back. Three loving dogs at three special times in my life. I am a lucky guy for many reasons, but Rosco, Jazzee Girl, and Luna are three of the best reasons. Thanks for letting me take a break today. Back to the grind tomorrow.

The links to the free book downloads are on my About page of my website: About – Conservative View from New Hampshire    Enjoy them.