by Donna Devane

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Do you ever wonder what your dog is thinking when it stares at you with head tilted to one side?

Dogs seem to think that we humans are quite interesting and entertaining. Notice how when toweling off after a shower your dog seems to smile just a bit, perhaps wondering why humans don't just grow fur, stand in the rain and shake off the excess water.

Dogs seem to wonder about why we sit and watch TV too. Perhaps they are thinking how much more fun it would be to be outside running in circles playing tag, or chasing down a ball.

During reading time they tend to wonder what's so much fun about just sitting there when you could be rubbing doggy's belly or telling him how cute he is. Dogs tend to think in terms of fun, love, and adoration. They do sometimes think about food, but if they have to choose between eating and being petted, they choose attention every time.

Dogs are always present in the now, they don't even want to live in the past or the future. It's all about this very moment to a dog. Right this minute is when she gets to be in your presence, watching your every move, waiting for a word of praise.

It's in this moment that all interactions of affection take place, so the dog waits patiently for the human to realize the importance of every moment of time and throw that ball or squeak that favorite toy.

The playing of a dog is really about more than just running and jumping, it's about spending time with you. It's about sharing love and bonding more deeply. Dogs think that humans miss out on the most important stuff by working too hard, too many hours and not playing and relaxing enough.

The next time you are feeling frustrated and are in too big a hurry, watch your dog. He will signal you that in this moment it's far more important to slow down, share a bit of love and enjoy the moment.

Dogs think about their human companions a lot, just not in the same terms we humans rattle around in. Dogs are much more in tune with the cycle of life, love, joy, peace, play. They wonder what's up with humans who just don't understand that.

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