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Kimberly Dalferes | Author

Crazy, Southern, Irish Gal, Author

Why It’s Great To Be a Mutt

April 6, 2012 by Kim Dalferes

This past month my dog Taz turned eleven years old. He’s beginning to slow down just a bit – well, ain’t we all? God love ‘em, he still likes to chase the squirrels and visit with all the neighbors. He’s a happy and health pound mutt for sure; even as he heads toward eighty in dog years.

For those of you who have by chance read my book, you know that the relationship between Taz and me has not always been one of full love and mutual admiration. We have survived, sometimes barely, incidences of peeing on the Christmas tree or eating the smoked salmon off the kitchen counter. I’m still not fully over the whole “ate my wedding bouquet” episode.

However, I have come to love and appreciate life with Taz; even the puppy mishaps and the stubborn “I’m not going out in the snow” tugs-of-war. The universe does not always offer advice and motivation through a dramatic burning bush or a spectacular show of nature’s power. Sometimes, if you really pay attention, quiet little lessons will sneak into your thoughts in the most interesting ways.  

Here are just a few of my favorite Taz-induced insights; let’s call them Tazisms:

  •        A sad puppy face can get you out of a lot of trouble.
  •        A little nap in a sunny spot is always a good solution.
  •        Almost everything tastes better with just a smidge of peanut butter.
  •        No matter how old you get, you still wanna run with the pack every once in awhile.
  •        A cheerful little wag of your tail often gets you what you want.
  •        Love unconditionally; it is contagious.
  •        It’s rarely fun to be stuck in the doghouse.
  •        Just because you mark your territory doesn’t mean it’s actually yours.
  •        Be someone’s very best and most loyal friend. 

Have you realized an “aha” moment or a fun insight from a canine (or feline; yes, I know you cat lovers are out there) best friend? I would love to hear about some of the Tazisms that you’ve experienced. 

Gotta go; I promised the “Tasmanian devil” a trip to the dog park.

Cheers,

Kimba

**PS: For every comment to this post, we will donate $1 to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter Trust Fund**

Filed Under: The Middle-Aged Cheap Seats Tagged With: dog lover, I was in love with a short man once, Kim Dalferes, Kim Dalferes Author, Kimba, man best friend, pets, taz

Comments

  1. Kim Dalferes says

    April 20, 2012 at 7:32 am

    Thanks for all the posts, both here and on FB.  We've made a donation to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter Trust Fund.  Taz says (well, barks) thank you too!

  2. John H Byk says

    April 19, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    I get to live my entire life naked.

  3. Bryan says

    April 17, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    I am a member of the family. As such, should any other member of the family have cheese in there possession, they shall share. 
    Sydney

  4. Bryan says

    April 17, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    If you feed me at 5:30 in the morning 5 days in a row, you should plan on making it six. I do not understand what Saturday is or that you want to sleep in and quite frankly, I really don"t care. Stick to the routine, get up and feed me or I will jump on your chest until you comply.
    Sydney – 11 year old Yorkie

  5. Sara says

    April 17, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Great!!

  6. Greg says

    April 17, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    "And if I wake you in the middle of the night, it's cause I REALLY gotta go !"  Taz, Apr 17, 2012
     

  7. Linda Macapayag says

    April 6, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    Cat-isms –
    Just because I rub your legs, come up to you and meow, doesn't mean I want you to pick me up.  I want you to pet me, and/or scratch my cheeks or chin.
    If you open a can of tuna fish, you better plan on sharing at least some of the juices.
    If you are not going to clean my litter box, I will do my business on the carpet, your bed, etc…..
    Just because I want to lay on you or next to you, does not mean I want you to pet me.  I just want you nearby.
    If you insist on picking me up and holding me, and you do not put me down – I WILL eventually scratch you.  Do NOT blame me!
    Do not leave a door open, as I WILL go through it, whether you want me to or not.

    • Kim D says

      April 6, 2012 at 12:36 pm

      LOL, Linda, these are great "insights."

Trackbacks

  1. Stray Dogs and Ugly Pumpkins | Kimberly Dalferes | Author says:
    October 31, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    […] dog. We adopted Taz from the shelter almost thirteen years ago. I’ve learned some wonderful lessons from this remarkable mutt. He’s still spry and happy – damn near got me killed last […]

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Author photo #2 in colorI hope you enjoy your time here and that you come back often. Wondering what makes me tick? This favorite quote from one of the grand dames of writing, Erma Bombeck, might help: Hook 'em with the lead. Hold 'em with laughter. Exit with a quip they won't forget. This seems to be a good overall life goal, don’t you think?

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Kim Dalferes’ Latest Book…

Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle

Humor writer Kimberly “Kimba” Dalferes dishes on a wide variety of topics–from days of her youth spent blissfully on the shores of Florida’s beaches to menopause and empty nests–in her nonfiction collection Crazy Southern Irish Gal Two-Book Bundle. In both titles: I Was In Love With a Short Man Once and Magic Fishing Panties, Dalferes’ crazy Southern Irish gal perspective inspires her illustrations of life’s quirky twists and turns. Together, these books offer descriptive and colorful essays on subjects such as getting a tattoo in midlife, unique uses for kitty litter, handling a rabid bat, public speaking gone wrong, and naked hot-tubbing in Vegas. Dalferes skillfully weaves what at first glance may appear to be dissimilar themes into a tapestry that invokes her life’s motto: live out loud, laugh often, and ‘occasionally’ drink tequila. Now available through Amazon Kindle.

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