Next Practices

Callie helping me form a dog beard

For years I’ve kept a tall poster hanging beside my favorite chair. The poster is titled “All I Need to Know About Life I Learned From my Dog.” It contains the following advice which makes perfect sense for dogs and to some extent for people, although I can’t vouch for the effectiveness of all the suggestions from a human standpoint:

• If you stare at someone long enough, eventually you will get what you want.
• Be direct with people; let them know exactly how you feel by piddling on their shoes.
• When it comes to having sex, if at first you don’t succeed, beg.
• Be aware of when to hold your tongue and when to use it.
• Leave room in your schedule for a good nap.
• Always give people a friendly greeting; a cold nose in the crotch is effective.
• Don’t go out without I.D.
• When you do something wrong, always take responsibility (as soon as you’re dragged out from under the bed).
• If it’s not wet and sloppy, it’s not a real kiss.
• When you go out into the world, remember: always take time to smell the roses…and the trees, the grass, the rocks, the street, the fire hydrants…

We learn a lot about life from the magnificent creatures and creation around us. I marvel every day at the simple fact that another species lives contentedly in our home as a member of the family. I’m amazed that we seem to understand each other perfectly. The joy the relationship brings is satisfying and consistent – a source of comfort every day. I shake my head in wonder at the depth of love we share, and the unlikeliness of how it all came to pass walking past a Humane Society location in a pet supply store over three years ago.

There is much more to life and this universe than what we humans sometimes imagine in our self-centered, human-centered perspective. This day and every day I am thankful to be part of a larger story – one that involves the mystery, joy, and unconditional love of a sweet little canine friend, Callie, who is such a big part of my world. I’m an even bigger part of her world. I don’t understand how it all works, but it does, and I am thankful.