Heart of a dog

Heart of a dog

Today I yearn for the heart of a dog

If I had a dog's heart, I would always live in the present.

I would forgive easily.

I would wait patiently for everyone in my family to come home.

If I had the heart of a dog

I would sleep whenever I was tired and wake up just to stretch.

I would be curious about everything I heard or smelled.

I would bark at anything that moved.

I would roll in the snow.

I would run full tilt and jump off the dock.

I would love all children on sight.

If I had the heart of a dog

I would always be ready for a ride in the car.

I would play and play and play everyday

With my toys, a stick, my friends or anything.

I would be happy just to be with my family.

I would guard my personal space and have a favorite chair.

I would growl but never bite.

If I had the heart of a dog

I would get bored easily then go find someone to amuse me.

I would let my family ease my fears with hugs.

I would eat snow for breakfast.

I would chase squirrels joyfully without wanting to catch them.

I would adopt the habits of my family and insist on them.

I would happily eat anything, then lick the plate.

And when my end comes,

I will not fear it or sense it coming.

I will wag my tail.

The heart of a dog knows no boundaries.

[For Brenner, my forever buddy, on the day after]