Life Lessons: Dogs

A card during the holidays included the above picture of Cooper. Just looking at Cooper makes you smile because he always seems happy. I attached the picture to my refrigerator in case I ever need to be reminded to smile. This picture got me thinking about the life of this dog and I realized how much we could all learn if we could be more like Cooper.

Cooper Qualities

Endless patience
Even-tempered
Good listener
Knows when to bark and when not to bark
Tolerant

Easily entertained
Calm
Up for anything
Well behaved

Favorite thing to do: be as close to his people wherever they may be...

Basically, Cooper is content. How about you⎯could you say that about yourself? If not, perhaps you need to start adding a few Cooper Qualities on your “to do” list. Perhaps we all could learn to just "be" Cooper.

The following has been around for a while and many of you may have heard it before, but I thought this might be a good place to remind you since we are leaving it to the dogs this week.

• Always run to greet loved ones when they come home.
• Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
• Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air and wind in your face.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, lie on your back in the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and find the shade.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Enjoy long walks.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want is buried, dig deep until you find it.
• And, when someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• We'd be better off, better people . . . if we acted more like dogs.

 Author Unknown

© Copyright 2011 Michelle Clark
Thank you Frye Family for Cooper pics