Like a Dog

/ Ann Coleman

fullsizeoutput_5988Mom’s been kind of busy lately, so I thought it was time for me to write another blog post for her.  Because that’s the kind of dog I am:  always willing to lend a helping paw when it’s needed. Even though my specialty is disposing of left-over food, I’m more than happy to write a post for Mom if that takes something off of her “to-do list.” I also believe that there are times when the people can learn a thing or two from dogs, and from what I’ve heard, this is one of those times.

I know that many people are stressing about something Mom refers to as “that stupid pandemic,” and that it’s causing lots of trouble all over the world.  Apparently, it’s spread mostly through the air, from one person’s face to another person’s face.  And this is a perfect example of how people can learn from dogs, because people insist on greeting each other face-to-face.  But dogs greet each other by sniffing, and faces aren’t what we sniff, if you know what I mean.  So, all people have to do is greet each other like dogs do and the problem is solved.  You’re welcome.

I’ve heard that those who live in the United States are also worried about something they call an election, which has lots of people upset and calling each other bad names.  And once again, this is an area where people could learn from dogs.  Because dogs come in all breeds, colors and sizes, but we still remember that we’re all dogs and we mostly get along anyway.  We know life is too short to waste being angry or hateful, so we focus on the important stuff, like the source of that fabulous smell coming from the kitchen….

Plus, dogs are forgiving.  We may get into the occasional fight, but they are over quickly and no one holds a grudge afterwards.  We even forgive people.  Take yesterday, for instance, when the old battle-axe….I mean Mom…decided I needed a bath.  Never mind that it’s November, she plunked me in the wading pool and doused me with shampoo before I even realized what was happening.  But did I stay mad at her for her crazy and completely unjustified actions?   I did not, or I wouldn’t be writing this post for her.

Now I’ve always been taught that it’s wrong to brag about ourselves, so I hope no one thinks I’m trying to say dogs are better than people.  I’m just saying that sometimes, people might benefit if they acted just a little bit more like dogs.   For one thing, being all up in each other’s faces just isn’t a good thing during a pandemic.  But more importantly, I know for a fact that if people would be as patient, loving,  forgiving, and as willing to live in the moment as dogs are, then the world would be a better place for all of us.

Love,  Finn

98 thoughts on “Like a Dog”

  1. Good post Finn. We all need to be patient these days, especially during the pandemic and this “thing” called an election. Patience, cooperation, understanding and empathy will get us all through this. Stay well Ann. Allan

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  3. I am absolutely in awe of you, Mr Finn! Those nuggets of wisdom are simply priceless. Meanwhile, humans are turning more and more dishonest all over the planet, in places where folks used to look up to as models. At the same time, remember, the planet still has a smattering of souls who are doglike to the core (think of me!), except for the sniffing part of course —that’s not going to happen, you see.

    I am happy you had a bath, notwithstanding the pandemic. Please take care of your good heart!

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    • Thank you so much! I am glad to know that at least some humans and dogs have similar hearts. I always try to see the good in everyone, and I can tell you that you one of the good people for sure! Love, Finn

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  6. Not only does Finn write an entertaining column, but that photo of him is one of the cutest dogs ever!!💜

    Having individual freedom means we are going to offend and be offended. It is unavoidable. Be kind anyway.

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    • Thank you Miss Lorie! So many people have said they really, really don’t want to sniff someone’s rear end. Not sure why, but that’s okay. I understand that people sometimes do thing differently from dogs! Love, Finn

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  8. Hi Finn,
    You’re so smart. In fact, I reckon you’re spot on and humans could learn a lot from us. There’s no judgement is there, especially if someone’s holding out a treat!
    Take care of your mum and give her extra kisses from me too.
    Lots of love, your Aussie buddy, Harry 🐶

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    • Thanks, Harry! And you’re right, we don’t judge people, especially those with food to share. I hope all is well with you and your family, and I hear that you’re going into summer soon! That’s great! Love, Finn

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  10. Finn, you are just like your Mom, y’know? You’re as smart as a whip with a delicious sense of humour. Best of all, you have your paw right on our pains and fears – how else would you know just how to make us laugh so we’d forget the madness around us now.

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    • Thank you so much! One of the things dogs are especially good at is reading what people are feeling. We don’t always understand their words, but we do understand their emotions. I’m so glad you liked my post….I was hoping people would find it helpful! Love, Finn

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  14. Finn, you’re right about everything! You dogs are not only more forgiving, you’re even more honest than we are. I can always tell when my dogs have been bad; they’re not great at deception. And I bet your mom knows when you mess up too. I’m not sure right now that dogs aren’t actually better than humans. You’re a good boy, Finn!

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    • Yeah, Mom always knows when I’ve been up to something too! I try to be sneaky, but it never works. So now I just let her know, even if I know she’s going to be upset and call me a bad dog. Luckily, she never stays mad at me for long and she’s never mean about it. And thank you….I like to think I am a good dog! Love, Finn

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    • Thanks! I think so too. Maybe you can remind her of this the next time she’s unhappy with me because I peed on her flowers. (If she doesn’t want me to do that, why does she plant them in the back yard?) Love, Finn

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  19. Finn you make valid points and even though I tend to lean more *cat* I’m going to try to emulate your fine example of forgiveness and grace. Here is a virtual nose boop for you, my wise friend.

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  20. Hi Finn. Because in the world of dogness, we are so easily distracted, my focus tends to stay on the election and COVID for about three seconds until I hear the mailman walk into our lawn. Sniffing away with you. Hugs, Shorty

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  22. Hello Finn,
    I also don’t get why humans are so stressed out with the pandemic. For me, personally, life looks so much better since the pandemic started. Every day, I have at least one member of my family that is with me all the time, and I don’t need to be alone anymore during the day. I try to sleep most of the day, but I occasionally get distracted when the members of my family try to hug me. No wonder that the pandemic is spreading. Those humans always need a close touch.
    I am lucky, and I did not have any bath for the last few months. I do hope everything will work out peacefully with the election in your country.
    Meow, Fiber

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  23. Okay, note to self, don’t read hysterical comments after a gallbladder surgery! Finn, ya did a good job buddy and I’m with you on everything g except the sniffs. I’m sticking with the fist bumps! LOL!

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    • I’m so sorry about your surgery and hope you are feeling better soon! And yeah, fist bumps make sense too, for those who’d rather not sniff rear ends (although in the dog world, that’s normal!) Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Love Finn

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  24. Finn, you write beautifully! I’ve never read one of your posts, and I find it a real treat (also makes me miss my darling Sheltie, who used to post for me now and then before he went to the Rainbow Bridge). You might be onto something, dear, but I’m afraid that, if people sniffed each other’s butts the way dogs do (especially in this contentious time), we might find ourselves brawling in the streets!

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    • Yes, I’m beginning to think that butt sniffing just isn’t something people like to do, and that’s okay. “Different strokes” and all that…. I’m so sorry to hear about your sheltie, I know that our humans miss us so much when we cross that rainbow bridge. We all cross it some time, and I really believe that we go to a good place when we do, and knowing that helps with the grief. Thanks for your comment! Love, Finn

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    • Yeah, that’s an area where I could learn a lot from a dog too! I tend to worry too much, and really, what good does that do? None! Maybe I need to listen to my dog more….

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  33. LOL. You started my day with a huge smile, Finn. I’ve always thought that the world would be a more loving place if humans took their cues from dogs. Your mom is very lucky to have such a wise companion. I’m sorry about the bath, but your mom is actually taking good care of you. Thanks for sharing your wonderful advise about sniffing, but I think I’ll stick to waving from a distance. 😀

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    • That works too….but is not nearly so interesting as sniffing! But I’m realizing that humans just aren’t comfortable greeting each other that way, and that’s fine. We all get to make our own choices in this life. And that you for your wonderful compliment! Love, Finn

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    • She did wash me! And I don’t know why, because I smelled just fine and was hardly even dirty. But I forgave her…Mom is getting up there in years, and sometimes I think she’s starting to slip a little, mentally. Thanks for your kind words about my philosophies! Love, Finn

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  38. Happy to take in your dog wisdom to reconcile with people responsible for unforgivable acts. But the change of human greetings nose to tail shall we say, is um, just one bridge too far chuckle. But we draw the line here. Thankfully the elections are over, with a good result, and now we have to hope that things stay calm and there is not too much trouble before January 20th. Of course there will be a lot of noise. Looking forward to your doggie friends moving into the white house next year! Cuties those two as well.

    Peta

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    • Thank you so much! But I’m afraid if I started my own blog it might do better than Mom’s blog, and that might make her feel sad. So I’ll stick to just writing a guest post on hers now and then. Love, Finn

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  40. Your Finn is adorable, like mine. (My Finn has just rediscovered that he gets to sleep with a blanket in the winter, so he’s currently curled up in it. Picture a black-and-white border collie cross wrapped in a blue patchwork afgan. So cute.)

    Well, Finn, I’ll pass on the butt-sniffing, but you definitely have a point about getting too upset over our differences. And cooking up good food instead of disagreements just makes good sense. Thanks for sharing your dog wisdom with us. : )

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