My dog is a great role model for me. He is the best person I know and the best person I can imagine anyone being. Here are some things he has taught me about how best to go through life:

Don’t waste time being angry

Always express the joy of being near the people you love

Be content in the silence among friends

Accept every individual of every species for who they are

My love must be unconditional

Pay very close attention to other peoples’ feelings, wants and needs as expressed through sound and body language

Enjoy treats

Do not judge smells as bad; think of them as important sources of information

Don’t complain

Don’t obsess over injuries – keep enjoying life

Live in the moment

Accept affection from anyone

Give affection to anyone who accepts it

Love to go on long walks, especially through the woods

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Advice from humans & dogs:

This flower will take you to a guest column by Duke (pictured above, with Tink)

And this flower will take you to some of the things I’ve learned this lifetime, as a human