This page is dedicated to the works of Jóna Rúna Kvaran. The Influence of Dogs Photo: Nína Rúna Kvaran My interest in dogs was triggered about 11 years ago when a woman put an advertisement in the radio because she was looking for a new owner for a little female puppy. She had many dogs in her home and it was becoming increasingly difficult to feed them all. That´s the reason that this particular puppy was welcomed to my home at the age of 4 months. Until that time in our lives, I had considered myself to be anything but an animal lover, but found out differently when the puppy arrived. What happened was simply that this little dog inspired my interest in the canine species with it´s intellegence, love and powerful personality. After years of being afraid of dogs, I discovered that my fear had been built on a complete misunderstanding. The importance of status in the group The dog was soon named Kola (means black like coal in Icelandic), being mainly black in colour. She has totally changed my attitude towards these fourfooted animals with the golden hearts and the instinctive sincerity. The kindness and placability of dogs is indisputable not to mention that they´re great companions and loyal friends. Where there is a dog there is often joy and happiness. They are just made in such a way that it is hard not to get along with them even though they are sometimes a little pushy and don´t always understand the limits in their relations with humans. They find it very important to strenghten their status within the group and they are very determined in those matters. Heaven and forgiveness I once read that the only creatures on Earth that have a certain and ordained place in Heaven are dogs. I think this might be true. Even though an owner and his dog have their differences, the owner can count on the animals forgiveness. One could say that dogs are true Christians in this matter without knowing this themselves. Kola has increased my understanding of the importance of forgiveness and knowing how to reconcile. She has also had an undirect part in the arrival of two other dogs to the home. Purebred or unknown ancestors The other two dogs are Labrador Retrievers, one black and one yellow. They are nothing alike even though they are mother and daughter. I don´t think they are as wise as Kola and they don´t really have much in common with her other than the typical things all dogs share. Some sides of them are positive and others negative. They are purebreds but Kola is mixed, so nobody really knows her ancestry or origin even though we certainly have tried our best to find out. The painful transition Sara is as black night and she is originally raised by others than me and my daughter. Therefore she has had to strive to earn her status in the new family unit that is I, my daughter, Sunna (Sara´s daughter) and Kola. The transition was difficult and very painful for Sara. She demonstrated quite an aggressive behaviour when she first arrived. By that behaviour she was probably testing her boundaries and status within her new family and what her possibilities were in a group where everyone else was settled. It is of course important to make a good and powerful first impression! Artistic but aggressive Sara is a very bossy dog and barks quite a lot though she is a good animal in other aspects. Her barking habits are particularly annoying when guests arrive. She may have overcome the difficulties regarding the seperation with her former owners but something told me it would be harder to get her to stop barking. Somebody made a suggestion about an electric dog collar, but I just couldn´t stand the thought of using such a tool. But all that unnecessary barking and aggression can be quite frightening to stranger. Sara does know a few very cute tricks and eagerly demonstrates them when she has embarrassed the family with her carrying on and is trying to make peace. Simple and stubborn The youngest member in our canine family is Sara´s daughter and her name is Sunna (means sun in Icelandic). She is exceptionally beautiful and sweet but unfortunately very simple-minded. It can really be a discomfort at times. Sunna is bright and yellow like the sun and she radiates kindness and sincerety. Her eyes are like two bright stars, shiningly beautiful. They reflect such innocence and love that nobody can resist her look and her presence. She is a pretty good dog even though she´s stubborn and rather slow becouse of her limited mental abbilities and obstinacy. She has never harassed anyone except maybe accidently through her own simpleness. The pearls of various emotions What is most surprising is that Kola, even though not a purebred, is extremely bright and has a deep understanding of those who are around her. If I were to imagine life without the dogs I doubt I would like that thought today. I have come to be addicted to these pearls of various emotions that the dogs are, even though they sometimes test my patience at times and taking care of them demands alot of work. I have sometimes lost my temper with them (and for good reasons I might add) but they still have a true admiror in me and a loyal friend and they know that. Worth their weight in gold The presence of dogs is constructive and emotionally nourishing and that are among the many reasons us humans find them so precious and important. Their importance lies in the fact that they have so many more qualities than they have faults. A good dog is worth it´s weight in gold and deserves all the best. We must be kind to dogs because of their importance even though they sometimes test our patience and need a lot of attention. Dogs are good friends and are always ready to forgive, being the true and loving creatures they are.        We are sorry to inform you that Kola passed away on the 13th of Agust 1999. She is greatly missed by us all. Please send her goods thoughts where-ever she is now. Written by: Jóna Rúna Kvaran;      Translated by: Nína Rúna Kvaran; Email