Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! I sat up groggily as my alarm went off. The bedroom was still dark and I fumbled for the alarm clock and switched it off. My body and mind just weren't ready to get up yet. I groaned, laid back down, put my head on my pillow, and closed my eyes. It was then, however, that my backup alarm went off. It jumped up on my bed, put its paws on my chest, and started to rapidly lick my face. It was my beagle dog, Snoopy Girl. She was ready and raring to get the day going and wasn't about to take no for an answer. I sat up with a smile and pulled her off of me. I turned on the light, rubbed her belly with one hand and wiped off my wet moustache with the other.

I have often wished that I could wake up with the same love, joy, energy, and enthusiasm my dogs have. It would be a great way to start the day with a wagging tail and a happy pant. But I am just an aging human being and it takes me a while to stretch out the knots in my back, wipe off the crust in my eyes, awaken the love in my heart, and thank God for another day. One thing I have found, though, is that when I do finally get the day going right my face smiles, my soul sings, and everything in my life goes better.

I am grateful then to my backup alarm for being such a wonderful teacher in how to live and in how to love. I am grateful to all the dogs who have blessed my life with their joy, their energy, their antics, and their zest for life. I have given them food and shelter and in return they have given me the priceless treasure of their unconditional love.

God gave us the best friends to walk through life with. They may be furry and have four legs, but they will always be by our sides. Take a lesson from them then. Live simply. Love deeply. Greet each day with zest and happiness. And always share your joy with the world.