“Just be a dog,”
My dog said to me,
“It isn’t so hard
To be happy, you see.”
“You’ll get what you need.
There is nothing to fear.
The best of the best
Is already here.”
“To be like your gerbil
All day on a wheel,
Exhausted and cranky
Is what you will feel.”
“See, it wouldn’t be good
To be like your cat,
Waiting all day
For a stroke or a pat.”
“If a kiss and a hug
Is good for you,
Nuzzle up to your people.
They need one, too.”
“Your people are here
For loving, that’s all.
Climb right in their lap
If you are still small.”
“Don’t wait for others
To give you your joy.
If you want to play,
Get out your own toy.”
“Just do what I do.
I really won’t mind.
We’re meant to be happy,
This you will find.”
“Work hard, but remember,
Take time to play,
For all that you have
Is just this one day.”
“Sleep on the couch,
Snooze by the door,
Move to the bed, then,
Try out the floor.”
“Lay in the sun
If you need a rest.
Curl up on the rug
By the fire- that’s best.”
“Enjoy the whole world
When you’re out on a walk,
Whether hours and miles
Or just for a block.”
“Find wondrous sights,
Inhale the great smells.
The world is amazing,
With a tale to tell!”
“Whenever you do
Something awful, well, then,
Be very sorry
And don’t do it again.”
“Be quick to forget
Anything bad.
You’ll miss out on fun
If you’re always mad.
“The very best happens
When you’re loyal and true.
Then people and love
Are all around you.”
and more…