Today’s Health Tip: Choose whole grains over refined grains for sustained energy and fiber. Your body will thank you.
dog
Today’s Thought: A Dog’s Lessons
My friend has a wonderful dog. He got it at the dog rescue agency. The dog is playful and a delight to watch. My friend stopped by a garage sale and picked up a squeeze ball. The squeeze ball is now his dog’s favorite toy. I envy his dog. It amuses itself with simple things. It lets the tension of a passing garbage truck roll off his back and he’s back at play. I’d like to let tension roll off me as easily or let go of some of the many electronic gadgets I have. If there’s a new one, I need it. When is the new iPhone coming out? LOL Our dogs are good reminders to lighten up, let go, and relax.
Today’s Poem: A Dog’s View by C. J. Dennis
A Dog’s View
C. J. Dennis
I’m only just a common racing dog,
Simple in habit, and my diet’s plain.
I have never had a longing for the grog
That some men seem to need, more vim to gain.
And I have heard it said of such a one,
Who in his swilling emulates the hogs:
“He’s boozing day and night: he’s getting done.
Poor man,” they say: “he’s going to the dogs.”
But now ’tis threatened that a dog should win
A newer culture and a swifter pace
By taking to the whisky and the gin,
That he may wax more reckless in the race.
And we, who hitherto have been content
With just a lap of water and a rub,
Will soon enough contract that human bent
Of knocking off and going to the pub.
And then, who knows? Some badly balanced pup,
Weak-willed, and too intent on hectic joys,
Will learn too soon the way to liquor up
And have a jolly evening with the boys.
And we shall say of such a one, in blame:
“It’s quite all right to have one new and then;
But he has overdone this drinkning game.
Poor dog,” we’ll say: “He’s going to the men.”
Today’s Poem: The Dog by Ogden Nash
The Dog
Ogden Nash
The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I’ve also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.
Is It Healthy for a Dog to Wear a Coat?
I see lots of folks walking their dogs and some of the dogs are wearing coats. It made me wonder if wearing a coat is a healthy option for a dog or if it is a detriment to the dog’s health. I asked ChatGPT and here’s what they found.
Dog coats can help dogs in cold weather, especially for breeds with short fur or those not accustomed to cold climates. These coats provide an extra layer of insulation, helping to retain body heat and protect the dog from the cold. However, it’s essential to ensure that the coat fits well and is comfortable for the dog. Some dogs, particularly those with thick or long fur, may not need extra insulation and could overheat with a coat. As always, it’s best to consider the specific needs and tolerance of your individual dog.
Thinking Out Loud ~ If We Don’t Bend, We Break
Today’s Thinking Out Loud reflection is on Aesop’s Fable, The Dog and Sow. Aesop’s Fables is available for free download here.
The Fable
“A Dog and a Sow were arguing and each claimed that its own young
ones were finer than those of any other animal. “Well,” said the
Sow at last, “mine can see, at any rate, when they come into the
world: but yours are born blind.”
Note: I’ve observed arguments between intelligent people who both claim to be right. I noticed when they were arguing there was plenty of room to compromise, yet they couldn’t. They refused to see where they did agree and only could see where they disagreed. Because of their high intelligence they kept making their point and showing where the other was weaker. And this went on and on. Finally, the meeting would end with nothing resolved; they would pick up where they left off at the next meeting. Does this make sense? It doesn’t to me. Yet it happens all the time. It happens in our relationships and in our work life. When we ask ourselves a better questions such as where we agree, or, how can we move forward and resolve this issue Will lead to better results and more peaceful relationships.
Poem for Today ~ Verse for a Certain Dog
Verse for a Certain Dog
Dorothy Parker
Such glorious faith as fills your limpid eyes,
Dear little friend of mine, I never knew.
All-innocent are you, and yet all-wise.
(For heaven’s sake, stop worrying that shoe!)
You look about, and all you see is fair;
This mighty globe was made for you alone.
Of all the thunderous ages, you’re the heir.
(Get off the pillow with that dirty bone!)
A skeptic world you face with steady gaze;
High in young pride you hold your noble head;
Gayly you meet the rush of roaring days.
(Must you eat puppy biscuit on the bed?)
Lancelike your courage, gleaming swift and strong,
Yours the white rapture of a wingèd soul,
Yours is a spirit like a May-day song.
(God help you, if you break the goldfish bowl!)
“Whatever is, is good,” your gracious creed.
You wear your joy of living like a crown.
Love lights your simplest act, your every deed.
(Drop it, I tell you—put that kitten down!)
You are God’s kindliest gift of all,—a friend.
Your shining loyalty unflecked by doubt,
You ask but leave to follow to the end.
(Couldn’t you wait until I took you out?)
