A Dog’s Advice for Happy Living

Our dog, Buddy, is a great teacher, and he’s very patient.  Here are 18 things he’s working on teaching me.  He came up with them all on his own. 

1. A joy ride is just that, meant for joy.  Don’t skip them. 
2. Let the air blow on your face as you hang out the window so that  you have no wrinkles and can’t see.  Be sure someone else is driving and watch out for slobber of dogs in other cars.  I think it was a dog.
3. Meet your loved ones at the door with hugs and kisses, don’t forget to lick their hand and jump on their foot.
4. Obey, you might get a treat, make mine jerkey.
5. Set your boundaries.  That chair is the dogs.
6. Take frequent naps, and stretch those muscles when you get up so you don’t pull one.  What?  Can’t hear you, I’m asleep, call back later.
7. If you are taken outside on a leash, run.  You need the exercise.
8. Wolf down your food, there is always someone in the house who is hungry and might eat yours.
9. Love your owner, just your owner, nobody else but your owner.  Accept love from others. 
10. Be yourself, someone the dog could love.
11. When you dig up old bones, expect to get dirty.
12. If someone you love is sad, put your cold nose in their face and lick them with your tongue.  Works everytime.
13. Ask for walks.  Everyone feels better when they smell the neighbor’s yard.
14. Enjoy attention and touches from others, especially on the belly or behind the ears.  Try it, you’ll like it!
15. Don’t bite, but don’t be afraid to growl.
16. To relax on a hot day, drink lots of water and take a nap in the shade.
17. Show you’re happy, wag your tail and dance.
18. Don’t take criticism personally, just keep coming back.

It’s a Dog’s Life