Inky Fingers: We should act more like dogs

I've said it before and Ill say it again: I love dogs. I've rarely met a dog that I havent liked. Usually if they have undesirable characteristics - like excessive barking - its because of lack of attention and exercise. (I've heard "a good dog is a tired dog," and I believe it.)

Dogs are loyal, protective and give effusive affection. They're quick to forgive and quicker to forget.

The smallest dog will go to great lengths to protect its owner from real -or perceived - threats. One of "my girls" - as I call them - monitors not only the woods around our house but the air space over it. Woe be the plane that flies low over our house: she barks with an authority that belies her size.

All of the courage, tenacity, trust and affection we humans should model can be found in dogs. I heard a saying: "I aspire to be the person that my dog thinks I am." If only we could be deserving of the animals that love us.

That's why mistreatment of animals is so hard to understand. If man has dominion over the fish, fowl, cattle and "every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth" (Genesis) surely that dominion brings with it great responsibility to care for them.

I come from a family where dogs are loved. I have dogs myself, and am concerned not only about their health, but also happiness.

My girls are always happy to see me. They never grow tired of me; they never fail to wag their curly little tails when I come home.

I've rarely been afraid of dogs; startled, on occasion, yes, but rarely afraid. Dogs will tell you with their body language whether they want to be friends, or not.

People on the other hand, now they can be duplicitous. I challenge you to find a dog that's insincere.

With the love of dogs on my mind it's only fitting that I put in a plug for the Heartland Animal Rescue Team (HART) in Baxter. Dog, cat or animal lovers can make online donations at http://www.hartpets.org. Or, you can search online for a HART pet to adopt. Check out the Web site and then go home and pet your dog.