So Strider says let’s spread it around

By Strider the Dog

Dear Strider,

I’m sad. And I’m wondering if you, a dog, get sad too. If you do, what do you do about it?

Everything seems so awful outside. What can I do about it? It just is overwhelming.

That’s why I’m writing to you. I think a dog might have some insight here. You guys seem pretty happy generally. How do you do it?

I’m hoping you’ll have some good words to cheer me up. Thanks in advance.

— Sad in Talent

Dear Sad,

Oh, wow, gosh, I got kind of overwhelmed reading your email. Please don’t be so sad! I mean, maybe you have a reason, it’s not for me to say you don’t. And maybe it’s the right time for you to be sad. Sometimes being sad is necessary. There are lots of sad things in the world.

So your email made me think hard. I was thinking yesterday about what I, just a dog, could say that might be like putting my paw on your foot. Me and my pack were sitting outside a cafe, run by some nice people who brought water and treats for us dogs, and drinks for the humans. It was sunny out. I was watching the world go by. Across the street was this man with a little boy. I guess it was a father and a son, kind of like an older dog and a puppy. These two just looked so happy to be together. They were holding hands, and the little boy was jumping around, up and down on a ledge there, and they were laughing.

I liked that. I felt happy just watching them. I guess they made me feel happy by being happy. It made me think there are so many nice things in the world, even when the bad things threaten to overwhelm us.

Then I got to thinking about the dog orphanage I came from. We dogs there sometimes got really sad thinking about all the dogs outside who weren’t warm and fed like we were. What we would do then was be extra nice to each other. We’d play and make jokes. That cheered all of us up.

So I guess here’s my answer. Be sad when you have to be. But enjoy all the things that you have, and help the people and animals around you enjoy what you can when you can. Being generous to others, being kind, is contagious. The more we can be happy and generous and kind, the more likely it is that sadness will get pushed back and happiness will take over. That’s this dog’s take on it, anyway.

Meanwhile, my paw on your foot.  Just saying.

Dear Strider,

My boyfriend is really nice, and I love him to bits. But he wants me to move in with him. He says he’s lonely. Only problem is, I’m not lonely, and I love living by myself. So I don’t want to move in with him.

Am I being selfish? Please advise.

— Happy Camper

Dear Happy,

Thanks so much for sending me an easy question. That last one was tough! But for you — of course you’re not being selfish. You’re being sensible. It’s your life, and you know best what makes you happy. If you’re not happy, nobody else is either, is my feeling.

Maybe for your lonely boyfriend, you should suggest he get a dog. There are a lot of great ones out there! The Jackson County Animal Shelter! Rescue Ranch! Sanctuary One! So many dogs lonely too, waiting to keep company with someone special.

You could take your boyfriend out for a day trip and just happen to drop by one of those places.

It’s an idea anyway.

Feeling sad? Feeling glad? Feeling anything in between and want to share? Just email the Dog about Town, [email protected].