A Dog's Daily Routine
The day is divided into two important sections: the all-important mealtime,
and everything else.
I. Mealtime
- Just because there does not seem to be anything visible around to eat
certainly does not mean there is nothing around to eat. The act of staring
at the underside of a table or chair on which someone else is eating sets
in motion a chain of events that eventually results in food.
- It goes without saying that you should carefully check the lower third
of any space for edibles. Mouth-sized things which cannot be identified by
sight or smell are considered gum.
- When you actually receive a meal, submerge your head into it as you would
a shower. Never, never look up again until a minimum of at least fifteen
minutes after the obvious food is gone. This is important. Just because
your dish is empty does not mean that it is time to stop eating.
- Remember that all food is potentially yours up until the time that it
is actually swallowed by another. The lengthy path a piece of food will
take from a plate to a mouth via a hand is as good a time as any to stake
your claim to it.
- When it comes to selecting an appropriate beverage, location and
packaging mean nothing. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.
- If you really see something you want, and all your other attempts at
getting it have failed, it is only right to grovel shamelessly. As a second
tactic, stare intently at the object of your desire, allowing long gelatinous
drools to leak like icicles from your lower lip.
II. Everything Else
- There are really only two important facial expressions to bother with:
complete and overwhelming joy and nothing at all.
- Any time that is not meal time is potentially nap time. The best time
to take a nap is when you hear your name being called repeatedly. The best
location for a nap is dead center of any street or driveway. The most
relaxing position is on your side, all four limbs parallel.
- The most practical way to get dry is to shake violently near a fully
clothed person. A second effective method is to stand on a light-colored
piece of furniture.
- Personal Safety
- At the first hint of any irregular noise, run from room to room barking
loudly. If someone actually comes into the house, rush over to them whether
you know them or not. Then kiss them so violently that they lose their balance
or have to force you away physically.
- The greatest unacknowledged threat to life as we have come to know it is
squirrels. No matter what you must do, make sure there are none in your
yard.
- Recreation and Leisure
- Ball: There are two equally amusing sets of rules you will want to know.
- The Common Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and return it.
- The Preferred Form, in which you receive a thrown ball and eat it.
- Car: As you know, any open car door is an invitation to get in. Once
inside, your only goal is to try to get out.
- Health: In the event of a trip to the doctor, always be on your guard.
If you are vaccinated, urinate on the physician.