Enjoy Life as a Dog

Do you sometimes wish your life could be as simple and carefree as your dog’s? Are you looking for someone — anyone — to toss you a bone? Well, here you go, Bowser! I’ve got a tasty treat right here for you! Just read on. Just remember, you’ll need the ability to learn new tricks.

Here are ten easy steps in learning how to enjoy life as a dog:

1. Show loyalty. Have you noticed how, in your dog’s eyes, you can do no wrong? Well, simply take a lesson from your ever-faithful canine, and show that same unquestioning and unending loyalty to someone or something precious to you, whether it be spouse, child, faith, family, or career. Loyalty demands the very best of you — patience, acceptance, forgiveness, cheerfulness, steadfastness — and thereby engenders the best in others.

2. Be enthusiastic. Is there any creature more exuberant than a puppy preparing for a walk in the park? While you don’t need to pee all over yourself, you’d do well to learn to be as enthusiastic about some of life’s simpler joys — a quiet moment, a sunset or sunrise, a thoughtful gift, a smile from a stranger. You’ll find each successive experience becoming more meaningful to you, and you’ll discover a greater connection to the world spinning around you each day.

3. Show others you care. No, we don’t have tails we can wag (at least I don’t). But we all have many other ways in which we can display satisfaction and happy anticipation to others. Try it; it’s surprising how contagious good will can be.

4. Soak up affection. You needn’t roll on the floor, baring your tummy (except for your significant other) or thump your leg on the floor, but you should learn to readily and graciously accept the help and care and concern of others. You deserve their affection. Open your heart to them and you’ll reciprocate affection’s gift.

5. Play. Here’s a tip from Toto: get down on all fours occasionally and get wild! We all tend to forget that play is the way we learn about ourselves and how we fit into the world. Play often, your cares and woes will become ever lighter, and you’ll open up new ways to be and to see.

6. Exercise: Romp like a puppy; run like a mutt. Exert yourself and test your limits; it’s healthy for mind, body and psyche. You may be surprised by what you can do (and you’ll sleep like a dog later).

7. Be in the moment. Ever notice how the most important thing to a dog is whatever is happening RIGHT NOW? You’d do well to strive to live in the moment. It’s the place we all live, all the time. Remember: yesterday’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery, but today is a gift, which is why it’s called the present.

8. Trust your sense of smell. Yep, if something stinks — a fifth cocktail, that pre-approved credit card, that Vegas marriage, a no-documentation mortgage, the used car with surprisingly low mileage —it’s probably not a good idea. Learn to trust your basic animal instincts and avoid those things in life that might come back to bite you.

9. Feed your appetites. Like your four-legged friend, you can learn to respect your hunger and longing. Fill up your life with authentic pleasures, those things that you truly value. If there’s some person or some thing you sincerely desire, strive to move that person or thing to the very center of your life.

10. Dream of great things. Picture your pup pedaling in his sleep, trying to overtake that elusive squirrel of his dreams. Now, picture yourself striving toward that future you’ve always imagined. Dreaming can help you envision and rehearse your more brightly shining future, and it allows you to practice the means and methods to make that future real.

(And for more guidance in exploring your pet side, go to rickzworld.)