Advice from an Old Dog

Advice from an Old Dog

I wrote this while on vacation, where I observed my old yellow dog as he slept, ate, walked, enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, chased sticks, was taunted by squirrels and chipmunks, splashed in the lake, rode in the car, rode in a canoe, ate leftovers, and enjoyed a lot of attention. Photos at the left show him on the gravel road in front of our cottage and asleep on the bottom of the canoe as we floated in the middle of the lake.

• The appearance of suitcases almost always mean something bad for the dog.

• It may look like running in circles to others, but following the scent requires a great deal of concentration.

• Sleep when you can. You never know when you might need to chase a squirrel and it will take a lot out of you.

• Begging usually produces results; there is always a chance they will cave in.

• Never appear too excited unless food is involved, otherwise you will be engaged in activities that may require too much energy.

• When children are eating at the dinner table, always secure the spot underneath them.

• W-A-L-K- spells something good.

• There is an art to sleeping and it takes practice.

• They won’t forget about you if you follow them around the house constantly and drop to the floor for a nap directly in front of them. Stay close and you will be remembered.

• Scratches on the backside increase when you nudge them and back yourself into them, pushing your hindquarters directly into their hands.

• If it looks like a cat it is the enemy.

• Eventually squirrels and chipmunks come down from trees.

• Sun shining through windows points to the next napping spot.

• I have kept the man in short pants from coming through that slot in the door for 11 years. I will persevere.

• That noise in the sky that makes the light flash is DANGER! Bark to warn and protect them...then hide under the bed.

• Love = Treats, scratches, leftovers, rides in the car, a soft bed, and a W-A-L-K-.