Don't Die Today: 10 Tips from a Dying Dog

Our family has adopted a little Maltese dog, which we named "Buddy". He has a death sentence hanging over him. Specialist veterinarians said that he would not pass the age of six months; he has a huge hole in his little heart and simply cannot, will not, survive long.

One day he will lie down, not eat and need to be "put down" - so we've been advised. As long as he's enjoying life and shows no signs of pain (he's a wimp and hates his fur and claws trimmed even).

Buddy is so full of bounce and joy that we've decided to give Him a life and he is now over a year old. Because of a few health issues, Buddy is living with me at this time, and here are ten things Buddy shows me each day:

1. Get up at dawn and leap all the way down the stairs, then do it again several times before running outside to do the "bathroom" thing.
2. Eat a good-sized vitamin-filled breakfast with some protein, and just a couple of snacks the rest of the day.
3. Play with Twink, the boss of the house, a Chihuahua, let him think he is bigger, stronger and fiercer than I. Make friends with everyone, including all other animals.




4. Run and leap about outside several times a day. Take the string ball right to the human and beg to play throw, fetch and return, often.
5. Lick those you love most, and often. Roll over in the path of any walking human and beg for lots of strokes.
6. Check out the flowers in the garden, all the trees, and dig a few holes. Check if either of the two gates are open and if so, hare around the street and visit any unsuspecting animals and humans.




7. Chomp on a raw bone or two now and then. Make sure they are hidden beneath curtains, or behind the sofa, for next time.
8. Play with clothes, drag and toss them around the house, particularly bits of underwear. Collect one of each pair of shoes, sox and slippers, hide a few for future fun.




9. Take a short nap or two in the sun.
10. Sack out soon after sunset, dream of tomorrow and sleep peacefully until dawn.