Back to work, dog - Lifestyle - Akron Beacon Journal

I’m halfway through a book about a guy and a donkey, and even though it may have not been his intention, I’ve already learned so much. I’ve learned about donkeys, of course, but I’ve also learned about the relationship between humans and animals, and all the great reasons to have a pet in your life.

Conveniently, I like to read with my dog at my side. This made for an ideal situation.

According to the book, humans get all kinds of benefits from being around animals and it stems from long ago when we counted on them as our soul means of protection. If your pooch was spooked, you should protect yourself. If your furry sidekick slept soundly, you could sleep soundly, too. This relationship has blossomed over the years and now we get all kinds of health benefits from hanging with animals, like lowered stress, better sleep, etc. It’s like a Vitamin-P, as in pet.

But the author also talks about how to make an animal, whether dog or donkey, a trusted companion. The key is to give that animal a job. By nature, animals are wired to work. In the wild, they get up, find food, try not to be food, make babies, and go back to sleep. It’s a full schedule. My little dog doesn’t have to do any of those things … so what job does she have?

After much petting while sitting next to me while I read my book, I’ve decided my dear dog must think her job is to love me. In that little head of hers, she must feel that in order to succeed in her furry life, her goal is to give me snuggles, lay her head on my lap while I’m sitting on the couch, be under my feet while I eat meals at the table and greet me with utter excitement when I get home. I couldn’t be happier about it.

I like to believe this is all true, and imagine what she thinks about during the day:

"Oh, she’s awake and making coffee. Gotta go out and wag my tail and let her pet me!"

"Everybody’s off to school and work. Time to sit alone and bark at things."

"Was that the garage door? Back on duty! I wonder who needs the most love? Which lap will I sit on first?"

"I can’t believe I can just look at her and cock my head sideways and she thinks it’s so cute that I get kisses and treats. I was just stretching my neck, but hey, win-win situation!"

"Time for bed, finally. She’s reading that donkey book again. I think I’ll snuggle in close. I have the best job in the world."