Happy St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland and since my hoomans are Irish I guess I am too! So on this day, I would like to take some time to honor all those old dogs who walked before us and blazed the trails to make it a bit easier for us young pups.
Sometimes it is hard for me to listen to the old dogs. They can be soooo quiet! I love to jump up and BARK BARK BARK my outrage as LOUD as I can (especially when that guy in the van puts boxes on our porch). But not old dogs – nope. I once saw an old dog just look out the window at the van guy – didn’t even growl. Now that is self control! If I just THINK there is an intruder I am sure to let my hoomans know ASAP!
Sometimes, when I get too loud in the house, the family will start to tell stories about Great Grandpa Kirby and how quiet he was compared to me. Kirby was my hooman’s first family dog. He was an Irish black lab mix, born on St. Patrick’s Day in 2004 and lived well into his TEENS! From what I’ve been told, he was a pretty quiet canine, and only barked when he had something important to say.
I guess he used to take himself fishing for hours and go on long walks alone. Can you imagine? Why would any dog want to wander around alone – I have no idea. If I want to go for a walk or want any kind of attention at all from my hoomans, I sit right in front of them and STARE. If that doesn’t work I get as close as possible and put my nose on their blankets and STARE HARDER. Works every time. (See the pictures below as a guide for you young pups).
If you want to get your hooman’s attention – sit directly in front of them and STARE.
If that that doesn’t work, move closer and STARE HARDER.
Anyway, I guess old Great Grandpa Kirbs musta been pretty courageous to wander around the woods alone. I think that’s how most old dogs were back in the day. They didn’t have memory foam beds, Kongs, or even Chewy.com. It musta been pretty ruff. Wandering alone was probably their only entertainment!
From what I hear, ole Kirbs had manners too. I guess he didn’t beg at the dinner table or take and shred-up used tissues out of the trashcan. I try really hard to have manners but sometimes that hooman food looks so good – I just can’t look away! Don’t ask me about the tissues. I know it’s wrong – I just can’t help myself.
I suppose us young pups could learn a few things from old dogs like Kirby. Like, only BARK BARK BARK when there is a good reason; and that it’s ok to venture out alone as long as we come home when called; and last but not least (cuz I’m really trying on this one) to use manners.
Although I never met Great Grandpa Kirby, I’m grateful he was here to love my hoomans first and that he taught them to be good canine caregivers. I can tell he took good care of them and that they still miss him – because when they tell his stories – they smile but in a kinda sad way.
So as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week friends – let’s take a minute to honor those who came before us by filling our days with patience, curiosity, and good manners. I am sure we all know an old dog like Kirby – someone who was here for a little while, taught us a whole lot, and then left our world a better place. CHEERS to the old dogs for all the love, laughs, and lessons they gave us while they were here. I have some pretty big tracks to fill – but I hope Great Grandpa Kirby would be proud. Happy trails my friend!
An Irish Blessing for Old Dogs
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your tail.
May the sunshine warm upon your whiskers.
May the rain fall gently in your woods.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you by the paw in His hand.
Bark at you soon – your friend,
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Jack Jack Canine Explorer 
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