Our best teachers
by Janine Adams

Sometimes I'm jealous of my dogs. Their lives seem so simple. They don't have the big-picture concerns that we have. Of course, I'm probably not giving them credit. It wouldn't surprise me if my ever-so-serious poodle Kramer lost sleep occasionally fretting over the situation in the Middle East. But the appearance of simplicity in their lives is sometimes very appealing to me.

The perspective of my dogs - and all our dogs - must be very interesting. To view their take on things is to tap into wisdom and clarity, I suspect. In fact, if we pay close attention to what our dogs have to teach us, we'd learn a great deal.

I started thinking about the lessons our dogs can teach us. And I asked some dog-loving friends about what their dogs have taught them. I got some great answers. So, with apologies to Robert Fulghum, author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, here are some lessons from a dog's-eye perspective, taught to some perceptive people by their special dogs.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned from My Dog

Enjoy every single day, because life's short, taught to me by my standard poodles, Kramer and Scout.

There's always time to snuggle, taught over and over again by Scout.

There is no such thing as too much play time, taught by Apollo, a Keeshond, to Margo Mildvan.

Pain is not nearly as powerful as love, taught by Bernese mountain dog, Tara, to Susan Bemus.

There's no such thing as 'yucky', taught by Ruthie, a Saint Bernard, to Phyllis Gerstenfeld.

Eat first, ask questions later, taught by Samoyed Tripper, to Ann Daugherty.

Nap first, ask questions later, taught by Billie, another Saint Bernard, to Phyllis Gerstenfeld.

One can never rest too much, taught by Roxy, also a Keeshond, to Margo Mildvan.

There is something good about every day, taught by beagle Connor to Stephanie Francis. Stephanie adds, "If Connor can be as sick as he is sometimes and still wag his tail and smile, then so can I!"

Never to be afraid to ask for love, taught by Jay Wooten's dogs.

When you're in a real fix, and your pals all got you down, throw your head as high as you can in the air and laugh! taught by Chloe, a Borzoi, to Herb ŒZot' Markham.

Approach people [or other dogs] slow and easy, taught by Susan Keith's dogs.

Dirt is no big deal, taught by Brenna and Ranger, Wendy Hudson's dogs.

The most valuable commodity is time spent together, taught by Cleo and Chulo to Jeanne McBride.

There's always enough love to go around, taught by Genny Best's dogs.

While you may be able to take a short walk, you can't take a brief walk, taught by Labrador retriever Harley to Susan Lennon. Harley's taught Susan to enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the moment along with him.

Have a zest for life and enjoy the moment, taught by bichon Barnum and rottweiler Bailey to Bob James.

No matter how difficult the situation or what you are afraid the outcome may be, focus on the biscuits, taught by Chugach, a malamute, to Stephen Peters. Chugach knew to keep positive and he could get through anything, says Steve.

Friends are more important than show ribbons, also taught by Chugach to Steve Peters.

There is never anything so bad that a snuggle/kiss/slurp or tail wag won't make better, taught by Labrador retrievers Ike and Babs to Mary Lynn D'Aubin.

Just being alive and part of this world is really a good thing, taught by Keeshond Keesha to Margo Mildvan.

Sometimes running as fast as you can is just plain fun, taught to Helen Smith by Cyber, a Samoyed.

Random barking keeps the evil nothings away, taught by Cousin Bonnie to Helen Smith.

They don't call us bitches for nothing! taught by Gracie, a Samoyed, to Ann Daugherty.

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