For the Love of Dog
Darby Lee Patterson
As you’ll read in the essay below – This is an important week for our best friends. I’m republishing this piece with the author’s permission because it’s the most perfect depiction of ‘for the love of Dog’ that I’ve ever read. And because one of ours, Ruby, the silver schnauzer in the artwork, is about 98 years old and quietly taking her leave of us. She was adopted from a neglectful home as a 5-month-old and, since that time, lived the life of a sterling princess. The best of soft pillows, treats, walks, care, and overflowing love. Mr. Lederer’s article is the best description of dog spirit and wisdom I’ve ever read. It’s our Ruby forever:
By Richard Lederer
Friday, Aug. 26, will mark National Dog Day. We give dogs what time we can spare, what space we can spare, what food we can spare, and what love we can spare. In return, dogs give us everything. It’s the best deal we human beings have ever made.
Part of that deal is that dogs teach us to live better lives:
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Enjoy the simple things in life, like taking a long walk or riding in a car and feeling the wind blowing on your face. Run barefoot, romp, and play daily. Leave yourself breathless at least once every day.
Master the art of stretching. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. If it’s not wet and sloppy, it’s not a real kiss. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Take time to stop and eat the roses.
Trust your instincts. Don’t go out without ID. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. Life is hard, and then you nap. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory. Make your mark on the world.
Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not. No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends. To err is human; to forgive canine.
If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains. If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles; If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it. If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you any time;
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment; If you can face the world without lies and deceit. If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills. If you can relax without liquor and sleep without the aid of drugs;
If you can find great happiness in the simplest things in life. If you can forgive any action in the blink of an eye. If you can repel intruders without using lethal weapons.
If you have no bias against creed, color, religion, politics, or gender. If you offer unconditional love as naturally as you breathe, then you are almost as good as your dog.
Blog note: Can I get an Amen?!
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Thanks for letting me share both the good and hard times with you. This one comes under the 'tough' category.
Your thoughts always make me feel better about the world we’ve made – an assurance of the good in humanity. Let me hear from you at darby@darbypatterson.com
The artwork in this blog is done by Terri Crisp, who specializes in animal portraits that capture the 'best' in our best friends. You can see more HERE
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