I saw this today, and felt compelled to share...
"If a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
(Like Jacob does with Ryan)
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
(Jon Lefavour, sticking his head far out my car window, "Yeah, I can see why dogs like this!")
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
(Thank you for teaching me this by example, Sara Murphy)
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently."
Oh my goodness, that last one really got me. That summarizes the relationship I had with my dog growing up. Rex was my sounding board. My listening ear. My non-judgmental, accepting friend through those awful middle school years when EVERYONE is judging you. He let me squeeze him while I cried. He always loved me, no matter how rotten or mean I was. (Like I said, EVERYONE.)
I've read this before, but I love it. I felt the same way about my dog Buddy growing up.
ReplyDeleteThat was my cat in middle school. I was so devastated when she got hit by a car =(
ReplyDeleteSelah is that for me now... although Jay chases her off our bed when she's cuddling on my pillow purring like crazy (the purring is so loud it keeps him awake!)