Bumper sticker logic

The philosophy is simple and it is lived out each day at the dog park. Once again, we humans could learn a lot from our canine pals: wag more, bark less.

At the park this morning, the sun was shining, but a chill was in the air. The parking lot was full. Dogs were barking to be released from back seats and rear cargo holds. Once released, though, it was all wags and smiles.

I've been trying to limit Gracie's activities at the park. She's been limping around a lot lately. The vet thinks it's arthritis in her left rear knee and right rear hip. This makes me nervous. She's not even 4 yet. I can't keep her from being a dog, though. I love watching her at the dog park. She runs up to almost every human out there, shows them her ball (carried happily in her mouth at all times), turns her fanny to them for a quick butt pat or scratch and then dashes off to the next human. Almost to the person, I see their face light up as if Gracie has singled them out for special attention.

Imagine if we greeted not only our friends, but also strangers with the same exuberance that the dogs exhibit at the park. Even the barking I hear at the park is a shout of joy -- mostly from the hound dogs just arriving.

Wag more, bark less is the tag line of a dog food brand, Cloud Star. They make yummy treats for dogs - especially dogs with sensitive tummies and food allergies. (Gracie falls into the first category, although you'd never know it by the junk she eats.) In addition, to fine dog treats, the company also contributes 10% of its net profits to various non-profits to benefit animals, women, children and the environment. Here's a company living out their motto.

We've been hearing a lot lately about what our country needs to get through the difficult days ahead. As for me, I'm going to try to live out my new bumper sticker and wag more, bark less.