What we can learn from a dog!

Since I was unable to post yesterday I thought I would do two today. We can learn many things from many different places and one of those places is from a dog. If you have never had a dog as a family member, this may not resonate with you but just so you know that for those that have had the privilege of being blessed with the unconditional love of a dog, this is Universal truth.

Now some of you will probably have read or heard these things before but positive, simple life lessons are always worth experiencing again.

"Dogs are not our whole lives but they make our lives whole" - Roger Caras

The picture is of me with my dog Toby in front of a Brutus Buckeye statue at The Ohio State University.!

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

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.

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 and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

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.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

"A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied" - Irish Proverb

Makes you want to run out and get a dog, doesn't it? If you are so inclined I highly recommend adopting a dog from a local shelter. You can start by googling dog adoption or go to these links for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Humane Society of the United States: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer or http://www.hsus.org/.

"The dog was created especially for children. He is the god of frolic." - Henry Ward Beecher

As aways I welcome your thoughts and stories. It is in the sharing of such things that we all learn and grow together. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am blessed that you have done so.

"Old age means realizing that you will never own all the dogs you wanted to." - Joe Gores

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry
http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

Pets and Love

Today, you will find pictures scattered throughout this post of our pets. The Chocolate Lab is Toby. The white cat is Holly. And the silly white and black cat is Mickey.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

If you have a pet you will know what I mean when I say that they give us unconditional love. Now, some of you might say that dogs definitely do but cats?

Well, even though cats do tend to march to their own drum, you cannot deny that they too have the ability to provide us with unlimited joy with their antics and the purring when they get what we call "scratchy lovies" from their owners. They will come around when you do not feel good and are all soft and fluffy when they decide they want to snuggle with you. (Except for the hairless breeds of course, but I digress)



"When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I with her." ~ Montaigne

Now, dogs, they just are bundles of love. They really appreciate when you play with them, feed them, let them outside, quite frankly for anything you do for them. They are always ready to greet you at the door at the end of the day with their tails wagging and that goofy smile on their face. Ok, maybe that is just our dog with the goofy face but you know what I mean. Sometimes Toby is so happy to see us I think his butt is going to fall off from all that wagging.



"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

It has been shown in study after study that those that have at least one pet have less stress and lower blood pressure. Even having an aquarium helps us feel better and fish are not soft and cuddely at all. Why do you think there are so many aquariums in doctor's offices or hospitals? Because the work! Pets help us through loss and grief. They are companions when we do not have much human contact and they just bring a smile to our faces. Now tell me that Mickey's picture below does not make you chuckle.



"Who can believe that there is no soul behind those luminous eyes!" ~ Theophile Gautier

I have been focusing on cats and dogs here but all pets can bring joy in some way. When we care for them they make us feel needed. When they do something silly they make us smile. They are the subject of many a reel of video tape and have even helped people win money on America's Funniest Home Videos.

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans" ~ James Herriot

Pets are a gift from the Universe. They provide so many good things to us humans that we owe them a hug debt of gratitude. So, remember when you are thinking about what to be grateful for, if you have a pet, do not forget them. If you don't have a pet, after reading this, you may want to consider getting one. Finally, if you do have a pet and you do not treat it with love and respect, then you either need to change your ways or give them to someone who will love and care for them.

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant

If you have a pet enjoy it. If not, get one, you'll be glad you did! We have been truly blessed with our pets and all the positive things they have brought to our lives. That's all for today!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry