Venus Envy

By A.J. Llewellyn

I have come to envy my dog. It's not just that she has a damned good life, but because she has the perfect attitude to life. Recently, I've made a study of my dog, Venus, and realized by adapting her style to my life as a man and a writer, I can live a happy, fulfilled existence. And be so much more productive.
In no particular order, here are the things she has taught me, that have started to serve me well.

10. Every blade of grass has its own particular scent. Stop, sniff, then sniff some more. It all may be mowed down tomorrow.
9. Take your time and enjoy what you're doing in this moment. Good things come to the dog who does this.
8. Investigate everything. Don't listen to rumors. If you don't hunt for answers yourself, you will never know what tasty, informed things you'll find.
7. Mud holes, dirty ponds and the Venice canals are fabulous for impromptu swims. Baths with good smelling stuff...not so much.
6. Eat your food slowly and with both hands. You'll never eat this particular dish again. Nothing is as tasty as this moment.
5. Making eye contact with your loved ones is invaluable. One eye stare is worth a thousand words. Humans do understand certain "looks." No need to threaten or yell. They get it.
4. Writing is like sleeping. Don't bother me when I am doing it, or supervising it.
3. I am a dog. What's yours is mine. Period.
2. Barking at the waves crashing on the shore is the most fun thing you can do. The waves like it.
And finally...
1. Running up to strange men and sticking your nose into their crotches only works when you are a dog. It works for Venus. Doesn't for me. Take my word on that.

What about you, what have you learned from your animals??

Aloha oe,

A.J.