We should be more like dogs

Some theories state than animals think only in the past and the present. It is likely not a good idea to go this far in becoming more dog-like, but it does explain why dogs are just so trusting, simple and content. Take Oscar's ordeal from today, he went into the vet's office knowing full well nothing good comes of visits to that office, pranced in, turned around and gave me a look that said "I know something is happening but what the hell is it?" and followed the nice girl into the examination room.

When we went to get him, he jumped into my arms and looks perfectly content. Yes horrible things had happened to him in there, but it was done. Time to be with mommy again.

Now it may seem like I really need to have children because most of my blogs are about my dog, but really it is a way for me to reflect on myself, society and the alternative- a more simple way of thinking; I'm happy- I wag my tail, I am threatened- I growl, I want to play- I go get the ball and drop it at your feet, I am hungry- I follow every morsel of food that goes from the plate to your mouth. Oh wait- that one is ALL the time. But no- we have to think of the future, we have to anticipate everyone's every move and weight six hundred ways this will effect us and we have to find ways of manipulating people to do things so we get the six-hundredth-and-first option that is actually beneficial to us. And what do we get at the end? A mind-fuck- that's what.

Now imagine a life as a dog. Our jobs would consist of looking cute in order to get fed, playing, and sniffing...well I could do without that last one.

But the sad truth is we have built an infrastructure that makes simplifying life impossible- or seem impossible. The point isn't for one or two people to do it though that is a start, but entire societies. But alas, how can this come about in a capitalist country with greedy people? Yes greedy people like you and me, and as aware as I may be of my greediness, can I stop it? No! I still want a nice house and a garden, even if I make the excuse that it is for Oscar to play in. I want new clothes, new handbags, good cheese and Chianti, a good working computer so I can blog on it without it crashing. I even want my holiday away from here. Nope, sorry, can't live like a dog, tempting as it may be.

I guess the best we can do is relate to the dog, see the comfort, trust, calm and joy in those little eyes and realize that happiness is a treat, and it comes in tiny little bites, but it does come. Life doesn't have to revolve around it, like it does for Oscar and his fellow pooches, but knowing it will come may take that edge off the day.