THE ENTERPRISE--MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KOBE
Hi. If you can see the attachment, you can see me. My name is Kobe, and I am doing THE ENTERPRISE this week so my "Dad" John can take off for Christmas. I am 9-1/2 years old, and they tell me that this might be my last Christmas because my heart is giving out (I have something called congestive heart disease). I don't know what that's all about, but I can't play and run around like I used to--I get short of breath and start wheezing and coughing. They give me pills about 5 times every day--with peanut butter and/or cheese. I love that part.
Getting old is not so much fun--but I guess that's true for you humans too. Dad seems pretty sad about me being sick (he says I am only in my 50's in human years), but so far, all those pills are helping me feel pretty good a lot of the time--so what the heck. After all, us dogs don't expect a lot out of life. We want to be loved; to be fed and given water regularly, to play, and to lay around in a warm place and sleep (a lot).
Wow, there is so much I hear about, I don't know where to start on this letter. First of all, I think you humans could learn something from us dogs. There is so much bickering and fear and anger I hear about. Politicians fighting with each other; terrorists doing awful things all over the world; celebrities doing stupid stuff to their own bodies, and more. Why do you do it. Aren't you supposed to be the more intelligent species?
For me, let me lick your face or hand, then scratch my belly or behind my ears, and take me out to go potty. (I get a treat when I come back in!) Maybe you should try that routine--except don't go out to go potty--the neighbors will complain.
Seriously, it's almost Christmas, so I suggest that you try to put on a smile as much of the time as you can. When I do that, humans treat me much nicer than when I growl at them. You should love and appreciate each other too. You are so busy "doing stuff"--chill out. Curl up and relax. Try to snuggle up to someone you love. Make each other happy. That's my plan for as long as I can hang around. They are really spoiling me and I love it. Maybe you should try to spoil the ones you love. It works.
Oh, yes, another piece of dog wisdom: be loyal. Always be happy to see your loved ones when they come back into the house. They like that too. You know, I have learned a lot in my 9+ years, but what I have learned most is that the ones you love and that love you are the most important people in the world. Treasure them. Play with them. Curl up with them. Spend as much time with them as you can.
Those people you work with may be OK, but they are not your real friends and family (well, maybe a few of them might be). I've met a lot of dogs in my life. Some of them are OK, but a lot of them just sniff your butt and move on. They don't really care about you at all. But your family and loved ones--that's a whole different story.
Maybe that's why Christmas is such a special occasion. After all, it's the story of another family, as I hear it. I don't know of any dogs in that story, so I'm suspicious about it, but so far, many humans seem to really believe in it.
Well, "Dad" (John) just came in and asked me what I was doing up by his computer. That means I should wrap up this letter. IF I am still around at Christmas next year, I'll write you another one. IF I'm not, just remember what I said: Love your family and those special friends just like baby Jesus wants you to. That way, when it's your time to write that last Christmas letter, you'll be happy and peaceful, knowing that you were loyal and loving to those that were really important in your life.
Merry Christmas and God Bless you and yours,
Your loyal buddy,
Kobe (Mariotti)
(By the way, I am not one of those fussy poodles. I am a Maltese!)
Comments