Dog Theology, part 5: For Dog Owners

Heather and I have two ferns in our apartment. Or should I say had two ferns...now we have one. Until recently, we didn't have one of those stories that so many pet owners have about big doggy destruction.

One of our ferns lived in a large fancy pot on the floor in our living room. Occasionally, Dakota would sneak some dirt from it to have a little snack. Though we didn't like her doing this, there was no real harm done.

You need to know that when we're gone for the day, Dakota stays closed in our room and Lola in the pin but not behind any doors. Well, the truth is, Lola wanted out one day. So, she used her 60+ pounds of strength, relenting desire for freedom, and I imagine a dash of dim-wittedness to break out of the pin. Long story short, you can use your imagination, our floor fern was de-potted and the dirt was spread--not dumped--but spread all over most the living room floor. (See 1st pic)

After the disciplining, anger and clean up we realized we could salvage part of the fern. So we replanted in a smaller pot the left overs of the once magnanimous house plant and placed it in a different area of the floor.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on us.

History has a peculiar way of repeating itself, and the very next day it did just that. She escaped once again, the smaller pot was dumped, dirt was strewn everywhere and the rest of the plant had been mangled and finished off. (See 2nd pic)

So there it is: my dog story of costly destructive proportions. I hope this is the only one we ever have from Lola. But, we love her all the same. After all, she still is really cute. (See 3rd pic)

I recently ran across this list of dog jokes that are pertinent. It fits in a bit with my blog series on Dog Theology that you can read here, here, here and here.

There are certain ways in which being like your dog might just make you a better human being. And here are a few.

Enjoy.

IF A DOG WERE YOUR TEACHER YOU'D LEARN STUFF LIKE...

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the expereience 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 lie 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 simiple 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 burried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

I just thought I'd include this 4th picture of Lola caked--snout to tail--in mud. She's never been happier!