All About Dogs by LowchensAustralia.com

POETRY, PROSE & THIS AND THAT

A collection of words that have affected me in some manner.
I believe you'll enjoy them too.

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER,
THIS IS WHAT YOU'D LEARN

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Take naps and 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, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you're scolded,
don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right
back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough. Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit
close by and nuzzle them.

Anon

A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master
for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness
than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for though I should lick your hand between blows,
your patience and understanding
will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when
your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside....for I am now
a domesticated animal. No longer used to bitter elements...
and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting
at your feet beside the hearth...
though had you no home in all the land...for you are my god...
and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although
I should not reproach you were it dry,
I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, that I may stay well to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your side,
and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life,
should your life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit
to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.
Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw,
my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Author unknown

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE TOO MANY DOGS!....

• When you have more grass in your driveway than in your backyard.

• When your neighbours find ANY dog running loose and automatically bring it to your house.

• When you want to watch TV and you have to sit on the floor because all of the furniture is "occupied".

• When it takes you longer to wash your dogs' dishes than your own.

• When you have to use a wash tub for a water dish.

• When you have to run an obstacle course to get to the phone.

• When you see one of your dogs doing something bad (like chewing something up or leaving a "dog deposit" on the rug) and you have to run through the entire list of dogs in order to yell at the right one and by then it is too late.

• When you have all of your dogs in the back seat of your car and it automatically changes lanes when they move to the other side of the car.

• When you NEVER go anywhere for a vacation because it costs more to kennel your dogs than to go to Hawaii.

• When you have an extension on your king-sized bed so you all fit.

• When Eukanuba makes home deliveries.

• When you move your bedroom into the garage and put a king and queen sized bed together so all of your dogs can sleep with you.

• When you take your dogs for a run in the park and people think it is a dog show.

Anon.