tulip, the teacher

My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am. To err is human, to forgive, canine. You've heard lots of little sayings about the perception of wisdom humans have with their dogs. I too am enamored with the ways of my faithful friend, Tulip. Her outstanding and admirable qualities are as follows:

1. Overwhelming happiness each morning. Each and every morning. For being alive.
2. Utter acceptance and unconditional love of even the most flawed humans.
3. Living in the present, all the time.
4. Trust in those who have barely earned it.
5. Silent enjoyment from just being with loved ones. Just being.
6. Willingness to sacrifice her own needs for the needs of those in the family.
7. A curious and eager mind, even for mundane things that happen day after day.

Dogs really do provide us with a model for living, or at least a gentle reminder of how to live with peace. I know that their limited cognitive and reasoning abilities make it a lot easier to not get bogged down by the heaviness of life. Tulip does not have to wonder what to be when she grows up. But I still think that dogs like Tulip help US to live a better life. She's like a zen supplement that I take in each day. No wonder dog owners are healthier.