What We Can Learn From Our Dogs

Today, I visited Petco #554 and discovered a few things that we can all learn from our dogs.

I was browsing around the store today and looking for a nice piece of driftwood to put in my new aquarium. So many people had brought their dogs to this store today. Some were really large, and some were really small and a bit scared. But all the dogs had a few things in common.

Dogs love the companionship of their owners.
All the dogs were so happy to be with their owners. My father has a dog too. His name is Randy and he's about 3 or 4 years old. Randy is no different from the dogs that I saw at the store today. He loves to be with my father, my stepmom, my brother, or myself. When we have to leave to go to work or to dinner, Randy becomes very upset and sad. Even when we're all going to bed, Randy would sleep under one of our beds, or in his doggy bed at the foot of my father's bed. Randy just wants to spend time with us. Every second of every minute of everyday, Randy wants to spend that time with us. Our simple presence is enough to make Randy happy.

Dogs are not materialistic like the lady working the register.
This expands on dogs loving the companionship of their owners, but dogs don't really care about that new chew toy that is on the shelf. All the dogs that I saw at the pet store today couldn't care less about the new chew toy that was on the shelf less than 2 feet away from their mouth. Nor did they really appear to care about Beggin' Strips on the shelf. Sure those treats taste like bacon, or bacon and cheese, or bacon and beef, but did those dogs care? Not really. In fact, I probably cared about those Beggin' Strips more than those dogs in the store today. Thinking of Randy, I purchased a new reindeer chew toy for him and a laser pointer for myself. The lady at the register asked me if I was doing Christmas shopping. I replied to her that I wasn't doing Christmas shopping. She told me that I should buy Christmas presents for my dog and fish. I do realize that this is her attempt to sell me some more doggy toys and treats, but it isn't working. Sorry, Ms. Petco-employee-who-believes-her-pets-are-materialistic-like-her, Randy isn't materialistic. In fact, as smart as Randy is, I don't believe he knows the difference between December 25th and any other day of the year.

Public Apology in Advance
Randy Kam, if I am insulting your intelligence, I'm sorry. Speak up and let me know that I made you feel bad, and I'll give you an extra belly rub. Or...I can simply spend time with you so that you can enjoy my company, and we can go on with our merry lives.