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It's A Dog's Life
So you might as well enjoy it
Lessons in Assertiveness
by Sparky, the Wonder Dog
Edited by P.V. Alvarado
No Place Like Home
Dear Sparky,
I’ve been homeless all my life. I never knew my father, and I don’t remember my mother. I saw myself once or twice down at the pond in the park where I go for a swim, and to tell you the truth, I’m not half bad looking.
Well, the other day, I was rummaging for my supper in this pretty posh neighborhood when the strangest thing happened. As I was trotting along the fence, this fellow barked at me, and of course I barked back just to be polite. Well, Sparky, I stopped dead in my tracks. It was like looking into a mirror. There I was staring at my double. The other fellow was equally surprised because he barked like crazy until his master came out. Instead of shooing me away like usual, this human opened the gate and let me in! Then he called out the mistress and the kids. They talked to Spot, and he told them I may be his lost brother. So they fed me and bathed me and bought me a collar! They even gave me a place to sleep!
Are humans that generous? I’m dumbfounded. Could Spot really be my brother?
Doubled in Duluth
Dear Doubled,
It’s possible that Spot may be your brother, but family is not defined by blood alone. Humans, like canines, can be very generous, and many care deeply about our problems. However, taking in strays is not an everyday occurrence. You are one lucky dog! Congratulations. Enjoy your new-found home and family.
Sparky
