Yesterday I was in a silly mood and was doing a very goofy dance, a la Elaine from Seinfeld, in the kitchen.  My daughter, by now resigned to the fact that she has a slightly bizarre mother, said “Mom, look at the dogs!”  I turned around to see my pups looking at me with heads tipped to the side.  And the look on their faces was a mix between sheer horror and disbelief.  I was half expecting them to say “What in the WORLD are you doing?!”  Rather humbling to be dissed by a dog.

I decided to observe my pets to see what I could learn from them on the secrets of life.  Lily, the year old pup, lives for walks and attention and Trixie, the 9 year old lump, lives for food and naps.  I am in agreement with both lifestyles.  But here are the other things I have learned:

• There is no love except unconditional love
• A little nuzzle when someone is looking down helps brighten their spirits
• Run hard/rest hard
• Look at your surroundings each day as if it was the first time you’ve been there.  It makes each day an adventure.
• Protect your loved ones from the “bad guys” and enjoy their friends
• The simplest things bring the greatest pleasure
• Be consistent, hold your boundaries and make sure you praise the good stuff

Lily just came up to check on me as I was writing this.  Much can be said without ever uttering a word.