It’s my belief that everything and anything can be your teacher, if you’re wise enough to lend a curious ear.
Each morning, my dog Chipotle and I venture into the local dog park. I think that I learned more in the park than I did in all four years of university – and it’s all certainly a lot more applicable. Here’s what my canine companions have taught me:
- If you wag your tail, people will pet you. We don’t have tails, but we do have the human equivalent: a smile. Use it! Especially if you want to make new friends.
- If you love someone, let them know. Dogs have no problem expressing their affection. We could use some of that.
- There’s no such thing as strangers. I’ve had so many unmet dogs jump up on my lap and plop down. We’re all just friends, brothers and sisters that haven’t yet met.
- You don’t need much to be happy. Dogs are really, really happy. Interestingly enough, few are standing in line for an iPhone 4. Hmm.
- You’re never too old to play. Even the elderly canines aren’t too sophisticated to chase a ball and get down and dirty.
- There’s nothing wrong with sticking your face in someone else’s ass. I’ve been saying this for years…
- Everything is an adventure. More accurately, everything can be an adventure – if we allow ourselves to see it as such. I still haven’t heard a dog complain that he’s bored.
- Give lots of hugs and kisses. They are a renewable resource.
- Homosexuality is natural. I’ve seen so many male dogs hump each other relentlessly. And none of the other dogs care, protest or commit hate crimes when it happens.
- A full belly and a good nap are two of life’s greatest pleasures. Enough said.
What has being around dogs taught you? Leave your answer in the comments. And click the “like” button below to share this with your friends on Facebook!
June 30, 2010 at 10:11 am
Absolutely delightful and well observed. Let’s all become a little more doggie in our lives. Arrf!
June 30, 2010 at 10:12 am
And dogs do nto judge they have no criteria! Paradise starts here with Dougie!
June 30, 2010 at 10:18 am
Forgive and forget, because it is not worth the anger. So long as you is not an abusive owner, a dog does not get angry, or upset if you accidentally step on his or her paw. They do not hold this grudge against you. They have an initial yelp of surprise, but that is as far as their reaction usually goes. Grudges can bring us to be unhappy, so let go and live happily!
June 30, 2010 at 10:23 am
these are very good lessons that everyone should think about
June 30, 2010 at 10:42 am
Davey, I am so thankful with your posts, it’s inspirational and now I am so fully digesting to be a Gay n I’m proud after I read your posts, thank you so much n if you have time please send me email, I do really want to share n chat with you, regards, me
June 30, 2010 at 10:54 am
My Jack Russell has taught me that even if you’re 15 pounds, you can still be the big spoon. Also, that thunder is probably the work of the devil.
June 30, 2010 at 10:59 am
But, your dog is the size of a pony. It probably scares the others away
June 30, 2010 at 10:59 am
from my experience with dogs, we have 4, have had about 8, ive learned that conflict is inevitable, but easily resolved and not a source for a grudge to be held; fighting over a bone or the like. ive also learned that honesty is natural and key to interaction; dogs dont lie to one another.
June 30, 2010 at 11:27 am
The world is one big toy. Dogs walking around will always find a stick to play with or can start digging a hole.
June 30, 2010 at 11:30 am
Here is one to add: “There are never too many dogs in the bed.”
June 30, 2010 at 11:55 am
I guess ” Doggy-Style ” is the way to go!!! =)
June 30, 2010 at 12:45 pm
im more like a cat =] you better feed me, you better love me, you better take care of me, or i will hurt you ^^ plus i purr when petted =]
June 30, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I love it!
The other day this guy looked really sad/angry and so I smiled to make him smile. HE DIDNT SMILE BACK! HE JUST GLARED! I felt so bad for him. Who doesn’t smile, even a little, when someone is smiling at you!?!?!
So If I smile at ppl, they’ll pet me? mmm ;D
June 30, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Dogs forgive! put your dog and significant other in a trunk for 2 hours. When you open the trunk: who’s happiest to see you! Forgiveness.
June 30, 2010 at 2:44 pm
hahaha..love it!
June 30, 2010 at 2:45 pm
haha…love this one too…my guess is the dog!
June 30, 2010 at 3:06 pm
being around dogs all my life, iv learned also that they can be a perverted bunch :/ just like us, ex for me i dont go around humping random men, even tough id like to ehehehe
June 30, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Easy, Dog has a pact with God, it’s called the reverse-name-benefit and Dog uses it rigorously!
July 1, 2010 at 6:14 am
It is wonderful to be owned by a dog…
July 6, 2010 at 3:41 am
I found this post interesting. I am amused and attracted by your spirit. I have posted this post as a profile msg in my Orkut account acknowledging you and a link to your blog…
sincerely
Sai
P.S: Pls let me know of your objections…
September 6, 2010 at 4:45 am
Just a note, male dog shag other male dogs to show off to the females. It’s not because they’re gay. Well they could be but that doesn’t much matter. Dogs shag other male dogs to show that they’re ‘tough’ and in their own way, manly. To show off the lady dogs. So yeah, it’s not really because they like it that way.
I love this post, and I love you, Dave. <3
September 18, 2010 at 10:17 am
They also do it to show dominance over one another, and is common in both sexes. BUT, there are dogs that will hump members of their own sex exclusively. Some species of ducks form bond pairs among males alone, coming together with females for the sole purpose of procreation, or not at all. Homosexual acts are part of nature–occasionally to do with displays of dominance and sometimes for companionship. Among higher species mammals, dolphins for instance, or Bonobo chimpanzees, homosexuality is part of their society.
That’s what my dog taught me, as she and I watched a special on Logo about it, refusing to let me get up to pee.
Pingback: don’t know how to act | Number 28