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 the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. 

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

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've 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 gently.

Once there was a little girl who had a stuffed frog named Jeremy. Jeremy went everywhere with the girl -- to imaginary picnics with her other dolls, to school, on trips, and, once, even into the bathtub! Every night, Jeremy slept cradled in her arms. 

Over time, Jeremy grew old and tattered. He had lost an eye, and he limped because the girl used to use one of his legs as a handle, and it had gotten crushed. His nose was a little mangled too, from being dragged on the ground. 

But the girl loved that frog, no matter how bedraggled he looked. And he never did anything. He was just always there. He was just Jeremy, and she loved him for that.

Today, that girl is a young woman and has outgrown childish things. But in her bedroom, you'll still find Jeremy, tattered and repaired, asleep on her bed. She still loves him dearly, for what he is. 

06/28/2005