Humility

Ever notice that no matter who you think you are, dogs just have a way of putting things in perspective? I think of President Bush and his dog Barney. As if the President didn't have enough problems with his public persona, Barney the Scottish Terrier would act up in a most public way. He would routinely show a complete disregard for the President. It used to make me laugh out loud to watch Barney duck and dodge as the President tried to grab him. Barney even bit a reporter and was captured on film doing it! Take that!

One of my personal moments happened at La Taza restaurant. I was feeling very special.

It was my birthday brunch celebration and fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. The owners of the restaurant allowed us to bring our dogs. Everybody was having a great time when Bentley showed up. We were all very excited to see him and made quite a fuss at his arrival. Bentley walked to the middle of the patio, squatted and left a very nasty stinky pile. In a flash, the range of emotions went from happy, disbelief, disgust, acceptance and finally humor. Voila - a memory made. Some people turned away like it didn't happen, others left the patio and pretended to have urgent business inside but most of us just groaned "Bentley" and laughed while he tried to steal some food off of one of the plates left unattended.

A friend once said babies and dogs bring out the best and worst in people. I have to agree. Lucky me. I am surrounded by people that love their dogs, have a sense of humor and know how to forgive - maybe not forget - but certainly forgive!