Be thankful !

                                              Be thankful and kind 

     MARK TWAIN said, the more I know about people, the more I like my dog. Well, it took me time to figure out what he really meant because I did not have the chance to get a pet dog. I just could not afford one when I was young because daddy hates animals. Later on I got married, I realized my wife was not fond of any pets. Fortunately when she was 16, Isabelle, my daugther insisted on giving her a little brother to play with. Since I could not satistisfy her request, she made a bid, which I believe was a fair one. My wife and I agreed to let her adopt a puppy. This is how Sophie entered my life and became a member of the family.  

     I still do not know much about dogs, lke their breeds, their favorite diet, or their their preferences ; however, I have learned a lot of things about Sophie because there is a line of communication openned which is getting more explicit and much clearer between us. For example, I can tell when she wants something. She asks for water by intensely waving her tail every time I open the fridge; if I accidently ignore her request, then she barks at me in a way to call my attention. Also whenever she she wants to take a walk, she comes to me over and over begging me to take her into account. Just like a kid, she might drive someone crazy until she gets what she needs.

     Sophie has an extensive vocabulary for a dog; in fact, she knows more than 500 words either in English or Spanish. My relationship with Sophie helps me understand much bettter some great qualities that are scaresely seen in some people nowadays such as, being thankful and being faithful.

 In case I set Sophie free from a room where she got stuck, she licks my toe, meaning "thanks buddy". In contrast, some people are so unkind and rude today that you hardly hear words like "thank you" and  "please". This lack of good manners and consideration  trigger this high level of unthanfulness and violence in the world. It is high time we took drastic measures before things get worse. Starting from home, parents should dedicate more time to educate their children.Education is the most powerful lever that might help us curb this awkward situation.