Let’s face it. Dogs are simply awesome. They can be taught so much. My assortment of furry friends over the years have learned all manner of things. Dismantling the Christmas tree, sometimes before Christmas, biting the mail man and warding off pesky solicitors are just a few of the talents I’ve witnessed. One dog, the spitting image of Charles Barkley, could dribble and steal a basketball with the best of them. There is no better way to grow up than to be surrounded by such loving companions.
What can be taught to dogs is nothing compared to what can be learned from them. Loyalty, sacrifice and diligence are often obvious traits that they demonstrate and should be mimicked by their masters. But the best of dogs can become “unleashed “ and do only what suits them at the moment. Obedience is the last thing on my dogs’ minds should a passing car or the distant cry of a coyote occur while they are receiving instructions. Forget it. They are gone, issuing a string of ferocious barks that I am certain contain a few canine cuss words.