What Dogs Can Teach Us

Last week I could tell the dogs were a bit stir crazy.

We decided to load them up in the car and take them up the canyons.

My doggies love adventure just like me,

though this outing was more for them. 

We got to a big open space and let them run and be free.

 I apologize for the above shot.. So does Wicket.

I watched them run and play, and I thought how great would it be to be a dog?!

Dogs can teach us so much.. 

Mowgli taught me to forgive quickly.

One day I was very very mad at Mowgli. 

He wasn't listening to me, or he had just done a bad potty in the house.. 

I don't remember.

But I yelled at him, and he was so sad and scared.

I felt incredibly bad.. I sat down next to him and said, "I'm sorry."

I opened my arms and patter my lap to let him know I still love him.

He immediately perked up his ears, wagged his tail and started licking my face.

I was forgiven, without needing to beg for it.

Wicket teaches me to be a bit more cautious.

He is the scardiest puppy I've ever met. 

The sound of opening a can of soda makes him jump!

He thinks very thoroughly before he acts.

He doesn't dart out places when he is unsure of anything.

I tend to be very spontaneous, I could use a lesson of caution from little Wicket.

Charlie teaches me to not be ashamed of myself. 

Charlie is in the way 98% of the time.

He does weird things, like lick the floors,

make weird gross noises, and even weirder grosser smells.

And when you say, "Oh Charlie... stop licking the floor." 

Or "Charlie! You stink! Go to bed!!" 

He looks at you with almost a smile.. 

and you know he is thinking.. 

"I am who I am!" as he trots off to his bed.

Then I found this little poem, I just had to share.

 If dogs were teachers, you would learn stuff like....

· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
· 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.
· When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
· Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
· 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 & wag your entire body.
· No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
· Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
· Stop when you have had enough.
· Be loyal.
· 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.