Day #25 - The Wisdom of Dogs

I've decided I can learn a lot from Dogs. We are once again dog sitting my sister's baby Bingo (the kids named him...I hope). Here are some things I have learned/re-learned this week watching Bingo interact with Bart & Kitty:

• Show some MIGHTY enthusiasm when your loved ones come home. There is nothing quite as gratifying as someone who is so delighted to see you, they jump on you and then fall over at your feet to worship you. Perhaps it is a bit much after just a trip to the bathroom and back, but heck...can you really love someone TOO much?
• A good scratch in JUST the right place can make you weak in the knees...enough said.
• Being the Beta in a relationship can actually be a stronger position in moments of stress. Beta's seem to be able to let things go more easily, walk away from a strong confrontation and share things enthusiastically.
• If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't let "no" or "down" discourage you...If you are persistent enough...you will get that spot on the lap that you have desired so desperately.
• Don't let a little swipe affect your swagger...those claws are all "RRREARRR" and no scratch...she just makes a lot of noise...perhaps, if you stay the course and continue w/a new approach every day, she will eventually come around and you will be friends.
• Give the older and wiser ones some space, especially while eating. They will usually give you signs when it is appropriate to approach...for instance, they won't be growling at you.
• It never hurts to mark your territory...well, it might hurt if you do it in inappropriate places or if you insist on establishing territory in new places already owned by someone else...know your boundaries and learn from your mistakes...preferably after the first mistake.
• If you look and act sorry...you will be forgiven more quickly.
• If you don't quite understand what someone is saying...do that thing that made them happy before. Most of the time they will still be satisfied with the good effort.
• Even if you desperately want to follow your same old routines...you know you won't be able to sleep if there is something going on downstairs. Just put yourself out there...you can always sleep later.

These are just a few of the things that quickly came to mind. I am sure I would surprise myself if I kept thinking on it.

I Am Grateful,
HB

Diva Quote: "All of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it." ~ Samuel Butler