# 16 Going to the Dogs.

Goal number 37 on my list states, " Brush the dogs six times". Why only six times, you may ask? Sixty brushings seemed a bit daunting and I pictured hairless creatures by the end of the year. So, we have had six sessions of grooming and I can now put that goal to rest. Although there is something to be said about brushing a dog--time stops--and it is just the dog, the brush, and me. For them, it has to be the equivalent of a well deserved massage; and the reward for me has been wagging tails and looks of unconditional love.

On the other hand, I think Yogi, the golden retriever, would have preferred being fed sixty meals in one day if he had a say in the matter. Imagine dogs making a "sixty" list (I know they don't live that long, so consider a "10" list) and what would they choose? Their daily agenda might include; 10 walks in the park, 10 toilet bowls to quench the thirst, 10 treats to devour, 10 balls to chase, 10 hours of napping, 10 cats to torment, 10 fire hydrants to...well, you know. The list is endless and wouldn't that be fitting for the perfect dog's life? I can tell my dogs have a secret schedule every day to complete because they have no worry lines, no high blood pressure issues, and sweet contented looks on their faces.

Are there lessons to learn from my furry friends? Of course, and if they could talk they would tell us to keep it simple, and in ten words: "Barkety bark bark bark", or in English: Set goals, achieve mastery, pursue with passion, love the journey. Or did I completely misinterpret their bark and what they really said was, "Try the toilet water, it's the best."