Ok.  We have 3 dogs - Gabby, PupPup, and Gertrude (our 3 mo. old puppy).

Make that 3 veryhappyoverexcitedplayfulfunfilledhyper dogs at this moment.

They’re medium size doggies, approximately 30-40 lbs., but right now they sound like a herd of elephants!

Since they sleep indoors with us at night time, all 3 of them are usually with me after 9 pm until I go to bed.  And for some reason, over the past few days they’ve invented this game of tag which they play for about 30 minutes each night until they completely wear out.  This game of tag involves all 3 of them chasing each other at full speed up and down our hallway, around our kitchen, through our living room, and back down the hallway. 

While barking.

Loudly.

It’s so very, very funny to watch but I must say it does get quite annoying at times!  Especially when they crash into furniture and overturn huge area rugs.  I just thank God that our laminate floor is withstanding their paws.  I don’t think the dogs have my same appreciation for the floor though - they slip and slide on it in the most twistable, funny ways (think “Thumper on Ice” from Bambi).

(Oh and for more added pleasure, Gertrude is in our hallway bathroom at this moment barking at the toilet.)

I feel like this game of tag that the dogs have invented lately is their way of training me in patience.  While watching them play, I can imagine the day when not only 3 dogs will be running around our house, but 3-4 rambunctious kids as well (we want 4 children)!  I will definately need all of this new-found patience training then.

Patience to ignore the annoying, loud noises.

Patience to ignore the overturned rugs, scattered pillows, and bumped over lamps.

Patience not to get angry at those I’m in charge of.

Patience not to yell in the heat of the moment.

Patience to ignore my fear of a dirty, scratched floor.

Patience not to slap my hand on the chair and yell for everyone to please just shut up for one minute (like I just did).

Patience not to invoke bodily harm after enduring nerve racking-chaos!

Patience to find the humor is others not-so-becoming actions.

Patience to enjoy other’s spontaneous pleasure.

Patience to just live in the moment and have fun.

Patience to connect with family and play together.

Ahh… It’s terrific how much we can learn from our animals in preparation for being a better parent.  If only we could always pay close attention to these tiny teachable moments in life.

Thank you, Gabby, PupPup, and Gertrude.  Little Jack is forever in your gratitude.

Tagged: Our Pets

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