On par with your dog?

Another beautiful light and sunny spring day that makes one glad to be alive and well… the promise of an adventure-filled day of expansion and discovery. If it were warmer, a canoe trip might be just the ticket. Today a bike trip around the outdoor market and a latte in an outdoor patio will have to suffice.

The camera is charged and a must for taking pix of pets. I’ve never seen so many dogs in this neighborhood before (right by the university). A lot of pugs lately… pug puppies actually. Turn a street corner and there’s another Pug! I always notice the dog first and think it is one I just saw, then realize it is another Pug and a different owner. Yesterday I saw five Pug puppies in the space of a one-hour walk! Of the toy breed, these dogs, long loved by royalty and the aristocracy are lively, happy, charming and even-tempered.  They are also highly intelligent, but I’m guessing that they are becoming popular a lot on looks. They are just so darn cute… five-star cute! We’ll be running a pet photo contest soon, so am sure these puppies will be great contenders. More about the pet photo contest next week…

Yes, today is a bright cheerful day. The mourning doves are cooing the pigeons warbling and seagulls glding by. When one feels this good, it is difficult to remember recent days that have been challenging. Like the dreary cold and windy days this past winter when a body didn’t want to move, to go anywhere or do anything. Those days of trying to overcome oneself.  On one such day I came across this gem in an email - author unknown. Thought you might appreciate it too. Anyone with a dog, a faithful soulful dog will enjoy this a lot… as will all dog lovers.

If you can…
- start the day without caffeine,
- get going, without pep pills,
- always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
- resist calm, complaining and boring people with your trouble,
- eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
- understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
- overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
- take criticism and blame without resentment,
- ignore a friend’s limited education, and never correct him,
- resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
- face the world, without lies and deceit,
- conquer tension without medical help,
- relax without liquor,
- say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
- give love unconditionally without pressure or expectation…

then my friend, you are almost as good as your dog!

Wishing you a brilliant and beautiful day! Enjoy.