It's a Dog's Life

Consider the life of the average family dog. Sure, there are shots at the vet, trips to the groomer and hours of loneliness while his "people" are away at work. But it is a pretty good life over all. Right now, for example, my dog is laying on a soft blanket at my feet. He has his food delivered to him each morning, he gets plenty of exercise and all the petting and scratching behind the ears he can take. In the winter, he lays under the covers and in the summer we make sure the temperature in the house is comfortable. He's got a bowl of water both inside and outside. He has a basket full of toys and when we accidentally drop food on the floor, it's all his.

The best part about being a dog is that there is freedom from care and concern about the issues of the day. I came home the other day, tired and keyed up. I was greeted by my dog. He was exurburant and genuinely thrilled to see me. He ran and got a toy from his basket and insisted that we play. There was no thought about tiredness or worry about any issue facing me. There was just joy and comradery. He said "You're home!!! I'm so thrilled to see you!! Now we will play and everything will be good!" A dog lives in the moment and any moment is a good moment if there is a toy to throw and a companion to throw it.

Come to think of it, that is a great life lesson.