Our minds are weird things sometimes. My mind can often handle crisis with a calmness and coolness that is amazing. But when my days are going good and problem free, it will create fear and drama in my dreams. This happened last night. I was in the middle of a particularly nasty dream when suddenly I felt my dog, Sweetie licking my face and her brother Hank licking my hand. Both must have sensed that I was in trouble and in need of a little love to wake me up. After I petted them for awhile they both curled up against each other and went back to sleep. I smiled looking at them then closed my own eyes with a calmer mind and a happier heart.

Later that day as I watched them happily romp, play, and chase each other through the house, I thought it might be better if I adopted a more dog-like approach to life. It might be better if I napped more often, barked only when necessary, fought only when forced to, and spent the rest of my time in joy, peace, and playfulness. Maybe it would be better if I approached each day like they do: with calmness, curiosity, and unconditional love.

I am so grateful to our ancestors who thousands of years ago welcomed dogs into their camps, villages, and lives. I am so grateful to God for giving us these furry messengers of love, these wonderful teachers of joy. Some studies have shown that having dogs in our lives can help us to live up to 10 years longer. I am not sure if this is true, but I do know that my own dogs have helped me to live all of my years better. They have helped to make all of my days happier. They have added laughter to my life. They have shown me again and again how to be kinder and more loving. I count them as one of the greatest gifts in my life and I am forever thankful for them. May we all learn to approach life more like our dogs. And may we all one day become the people that our dogs already think we are.