Today is my Birthday.
Yes I'm one of those rare creatures born on Leap Day, so technically I only have a birthday on the human calendar every 4 years.

Thinking about turning 4 and having my first "Leap Birthday" set me to thinking about the differences between how long dogs live and how long humans live. I pondered why different species have different lifespans alloted to them and really couldn't come up with an answer that made sense to me.

Then about a week ago I asked my old friend Bear Dog. Bear turned thirteen a couple of months ago, and I reasoned that any dog having already lived the better part of his years might be able to shed some insight into our time here on planet earth.

So, in a quiet moment when the Bear Dog and I were alone together I asked him why he thought we were here such a short time compared to humans.

He thought for a moment, cocked his head and took a deep breath. For a moment his eyes went misty then he shook of some odd emotion that had obviously ran through his soul and spoke..

"Kid, " he said stretching out his long front legs in front of him. "I believe that every creature is put here to learn how to live simply, love generously, care for others deeply and always speak kindly of each other."

"Yeah, so?" I asked.

"I guess that humans just take a lot longer to learn those lessons." Bear replied getting to his feet and stretching " Most pups learn those basic things before they reach their first birthday." he sat down and studied something a long way off.  "Sad, son, but a lot of humans never learn,  not even after many decades of living."

"Why?" I asked.

The old yellow dog, shrugged and returned to his spot beside me. " Don't know, but that's how it is." he yawned. " I think  that dogs just learn how to live correctly a lot sooner then humans, so our work here is done and the maker lets us go on home."

We sat in silence for a long time and I have to admit his answer to my question weighed heavy on my heart. Since then I've pondered what that old dog said and I think I've come to understand his logic. So as my birthday approached I spent some time thinking about the lessons I've learned as a pup. Either from my mom, or two of the wisest dogs I've ever known, Mooch, my first dog friend and Bear Dog.

So, today I'd like to share what you humans would have to learn if a dog was your teacher about life.

• When a loved one comes home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of the fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, roll and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Never bite when a good growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass and watch the sky.
• On hot days, slow down, drink lots of water and stay in the shade of a beautiful tree.
• When your happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If you want what lies buried, dig until you find it.
• Get dirty by having fun.
• Trust your instincts, but only follow them if you're sure where they'll lead
  
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

So as my 1st Leap Birthday draws to an end I'm sitting here thinking about my old friend and about how many more of these birthdays I have left. Not because I'm sad there are so few but because I'm looking forward to all the good times before I celebrate my last.

Barks n Butt Sniffs
Your Blogging Dog
BJ