Going to the Dogs

Ella

The other night I was walking the dog with my youngest daughter. 

This is where we often have our deep talks. 

Tonight was no exception. 

“Why,” she asked, “can’t I be more like our dog?  She’s never self-conscious.” 

And with that, I began to think of all the ways we could be more like dogs. 

1. Dogs love unconditionally.  They don’t care what you look like, talk like, smell like (well, actually the smellier the better, I imagine).  They simply love you for you.  No keeping score, no trading goods or services. 

2. Dogs don’t judge.  (cats may be a little judgy – but that’s another story…and frankly I love them for their aristocratic attitude) 

3. Dogs don’t try to be anything other than what they are.  Dogs.  They know, accept and embrace all of the qualities that make a dog a dog (there may be exceptions to this rule, however.  My husband who grew up on a farm, witnessed a goat and a rooster become best friends.  So much so that the rooster tried to convince the goat that it could fly.)

4. Dogs can experience fear – but they don’t tend to relive it over and over again.  Once the circumstances that caused the fear are gone, so is the fear. 

5. Dogs forgive…or maybe they just forget.  I’m not sure.  My point is that they don’t hold grudges. 

6. Dogs stay in the present.  They live in the moment and for the moment; when dogs play, they play; when dogs relax, they relax.  Nothing more. 

7. Dogs can feel when you need to be comforted.  They are there for you.  Always.  They have your back. 

8. Dogs don’t have a lot of rules about happiness.  A good stick makes them happy.  A good meal makes them happy.  A run makes them happy.  A new day makes them happy. 

Wouldn’t life be a whole lot simpler if, in these respects, we acted more like dogs?