The Pupose of Life

I guess if you are bold or crazy enough to start a blog called “The Dalai Dog,” you should expect spiritual seekers.

Requests are pouring in for Dog to answer the great questions of humanity. I hope he is up to the task. (Maybe if I promise him some chicken treats?)

My friend, Cameron, a weekly columnist for the local newspaper who is a smart, inquisitive sort (and who will be taking care of Dog when we go on vacation over Thanksgiving) was so excited about this blog. “I would love to know the purpose of life from a dog’s perspective!” she exclaimed on the phone.

Well, Little Grasshopper, listen closely, as the Dalai Dog shares his wisdom…

The purpose of life is complicated, yet simple. Hidden in the illusions of reality that you call life.

You think that the purpose of life is a tangible thing that can be touched, captured, achieved like the Best of Show ribbon. But what good is that award when you are alone in your crate at night?

No, my friend, the purpose in life is not how many ribbons you win or how many people you impress or your AKC pedigree. The secret of life is this:

1) Food
2) Sleep
3) Play
4) Walks
5) Love

Not necessarily in that order. As you move through life the order will change. When you are a puppy, play is the top priority. As you grow older, food and sleep take precedence. Walks (work, exercise for you humans) is constant, although you may resist it. Dogs, who are much more intuitively intelligent about these types of things, realize how essential it is every day.

Pleasure, exertion, rest must be balanced to be appreciated.

But, the most important of all these secrets is love. Is there anything better than being greeted with the excitement of a wagging tail at your mere presence? Or expressing your love freely, fearlessly, with wild abandon?

Beyond everything else, we are here to give and receive love.

That, Little Grasshopper, is the purpose of life.

Now, where’s my chicken treat?!