GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!!!
MAXDOG here...
TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Hello there to all my friends across the globe!
Tomorrow is a VERY IMPORTANT DAY FOR ME!!!
12 MARCH 2010
It will be my birthday!...
I will be 10 years old!!!
Mom says that we should embrace every moment, so I thought that I'd start celebrating my birthday today!
May I...?
May I...?
...start celebrating?
You see, I have defied all expectations!
This is my 33rd DAY OF GRACE!!!
Today I am...
9 years and 364 days old!!!
By way of celebration, I thought I'd share with you some of the life lessons which I have learnt over the past 10 years. You see, wisdom comes with age!
Mom says that some of these life lessons definitely apply to humans as well...!
So here goes...
LIFE LESSONS ACCORDING TO MAXDOG
• WORK HARD !...
• WORK HARD !...
...by doing what you can for your owner. Whether it’s picking up socks, underwear or simply being with them, do it with devotion and enthusiasm!
• PLAY HARD!...
...this provides entertainment to the peeps, enjoyment for yourself
and keeps them focussed on you!
• TEST THE BOUNDARIES and CELEBRATE YOUR HEALTH!...
...see how far you can run, how high you can jump, how loud you can bark and how long you can sleep...and be grateful!
• CELEBRATE LIFE!...
...Smell the wind! Read the news! Soak up the sun and enjoy good company!
• MAKE FRIENDS!...
...Remember the only thing you will eventually leave behind when you leave this earth
is a legacy of your relationships!
• LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT!...
...Don’t let the worries of others get you down or the worries of what is yet to come. Your worries will only diminish the joys of the present! Consider simply lying in the sun!
• DON’T PASS OFF THE OPPORTUNITY OF DOING GOOD FOR OTHERS!....
...pick up that sock, or sit quietly with the peeps whilst they share their troubles.
• DIG HOLES!...
...Lots of them...and sit in them! They provide your enjoyment and you must recognise this!
• DROOL A LOT!...
...So that they will give you more treats than they bargained for.
• PRACTICE your “PLEADING –EYES” look....
...it works!
• WORK ON BEHALF OF THE PACK TOO!...
...Together you will be more than on your own!
• RELISH THE LOVE THAT COMES YOUR WAY!...
...It is precious and one of the most genuine things in life!
• DEFY ALL EXPECTATIONS!...
...Including the Vet’s if need be!
Never let anyone tell you that you “Can’t” do something!
• BUT...TAKE YOUR MEDICATION!..
...the wisdom of others is important to recognise!
• INSIST ON YOUR DAILY WALK!...
...and learn to read the human signs that it is time for that walk!
• LEARN YOUR COMMANDS!...
...To be obedient to the rules so that you will be regarded as a valuable dog and an important addition to the household!
• BARK AT INTRUDERS!....
...don’t make my mistake and show them the silverware!
• REMEMBER... FARTING AND SNORTING IN PUBLIC IS NOT SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE!...
...You lose friends that way and the humans scatter!
• SLEEP IN EVERYONE’S BED!...
(This doesn't apply to humans!)
... including the smallest, to show that you are boss!
• DON’T WINE!...
...It’s unbecoming!
• USE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU GET THEM!...
...like that extra walk in the park!
• ROLL IN THE MUD!..
...I promise you, you will eventually be clean!
...and if you roll in the mud...
• LEARN TO TOLERATE YOUR BATH!
• LEARN TO TOLERATE YOUR BATH!
• DON’T MOAN WHEN THEY GROOM YOU!...
...It’s their act of love! Show them your appreciation instead, look adorable and they WILL give you biscuits!
• If you are an abandoned or struggling doggie...
KEEP FOCUSSED! ALLOW SOMEONE TO HELP YOU! TOLERATE THE DISCOMFORT
...so that you can achieve a better life!
• STEAL THE HUMAN’s TREATS
(Also NOT for humans!)
when they aren’t looking... but avoid the chocolate!!!...
...it plays havoc with your sleep and makes the humans grumpy!
• LEARN TO ENJOY THE CAR!...
...smile at motorists but don’t distract them...they might ride into your human’s vehicle!
• SHARE YOU FOOD!
...but eat your fill first! You can’t give if your own food bowl is empty!
• ACCEPT THAT YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES!...
...They make you stronger and give you the necessary wisdom for life!
• REMEMBER: CHASING CATS MAKES YOU UNPOPULAR! ...
...Catching lizards and squirrels however has a totally different reaction!
• SMELL OUT THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE!...
...and deal with them!
•BE PATIENT!...
...When things don’t happen fast enough, lie down and wait!
...When things don’t happen fast enough, lie down and wait!
• SHARE THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF
which others aren’t aware of!...
...like scooting on the carpet to make them take you to the Vet!
Yes, sometimes it’s necessary to take extraordinary measures!
• AT TIMES YOU NEED TO KEEP QUIET AND LIE LOW!...
...It allows you to assess the situation and for them to calm down.
• REMEMBER: THE MOST VALUABLE GIFT YOU CAN GIVE ANYONE IS TIME!!!
(Us dogs know this, right!?!)
• WELCOME PEOPLE TO YOUR HOME!...
...It makes them happy and you get their attention!
• READ THE NEWS!...
...It’s good preparation.
• BE HAPPY AND THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE HAPPY WITH YOU!...
...If you pine and are grumpy... most dogs will be left in a corner!
• BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE!...
...and don’t be shy to show it!
• BE CREATIVE!...
...rearrange the furniture and get rid of superfluous stuffies!...enjoy the clean-out!
• EAT WITH RELISH!
...no problem here, I am sure!
• TELL YOUR HUMANS NOT TO WORRY WHAT THEY LOOK LIKE!...
...we love them anyway!
• REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU FIT IN!...
...Our world is big and we each have a role to play!
• SHARE YOUR WISDOM!...
...Those who really need it will take it and use it for the greater good.
...Those who don’t need it, will leave it and you won’t have lost anything yourself!
• TELL PEOPLE WHEN YOU ARE AILING!...
...You might need all the help you can get!
• BUT...DON’T WEAR YOUR WOES ON YOUR SHOULDERS!...
...it will merely weigh you down, making you an unpleasant dog for others.
• HORDING THINGS IS POINTLESS! LIVE FRUGALLY!....
...Dogs don’t go to the grave with cupboards!
• SHARE YOUR WARMTH WITH OTHERS!...
...You weren’t given fur for nothing!
• DON’T LOOK A GIFT DOG IN THE MOUTH!...
...he’ll turn and bite you!
• BE KIND TO PUPPIES AND KITTIES ALIKE!
• GIVE THE "SHOW DOGS" SOME SPACE TO PRACTICE THEIR ART
AND STRUT THEIR STUFF!...
...WE all know that it’s the ‘heart’ that really counts!
• LET YOUR PARENTS DRESS YOU UP!...
...it makes them happy and you will get extra
attention!
attention!
• EVERYONE HAS A MASTER!...
...Choose yours well!
LOVE YOUR FRIENDS WITH ABSOLUTE ABANDON!!!
...and they will multiply!
And lastly but most importantly...
• IT TAKES A LIFETIME TO LEARN THE LESSONS OF LIFE!...
...Don’t pretend to know it all!
Im still learning!
Lotsalicks
MAXDOG IN SOUTH AFRICA
79 comments:
Max Dog you are a very wise old hound. Lots for all of us to pay attention to there I think! Thank you and happy birthday! :-)
PS - Have you ever considered a book of Max Dog's wise words? I'd buy one.
What we always thought - the Moliere of the dog world.
Max your wisdom, intellect, discernment & understanding is well beyond your 9 years!! I wish you a Joyful and Happy Birthday!!!
LOVE the list....thanks Maxdog for reminding us to live life to the fullest, every day that we have!!!
love you Max!
xoxo
Wonderful post
We love your list Max :-)
We are coming back tomorrow
for sing a song for you....
Yeahhhhhh :-)
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :-)
Max! You have learned so many important things. I will try hard to follow your good example.
Slobbers,
Mango
What a wonderful list, Max! You have done a lot of yearning in your 10 years!
Happy Birthday, dear Max! Those are all very good things!
Sam
Woof! Woof! Advance Happy Happy Pawday! YES there's nothing wrong at all to celebrate early. LOVE and totally agree on your LIFE Lessons ... thanks for sharing. ENJOY! your pre Pawday celebration. Lots of Golden Woofs, SUgar
Wooos Max Dog on your wonderful words of wisdom! (although I would like to change a few of them, after all I am a Husky and we do not obey rules too well, especially that one about human snacks...)
Happy,happy Barkday in advance! you share that day with my human brother and grandfather!
Thank woo for all woo do to keep smiles on your humans faces!
Lots of puppy kisses
-Kira The BeaWootiful
Happy Birthday! It's only two days after my Happy's birthday :) But he would have turned 11.
What a great list, Max. You're such a good dog!
Max, each and eFURy one of your bits of wisdom is a gem unto itself. We always like you, Max, and now we know why we l♥ve you! Our momma is a big promoter of sharing and spreading goodness in this world. We have a feeling that your momma does the same thing - after all - look at all she's taught you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MAX!!!!!!
I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
Your Golden Retriever Friend
Clotilde
Happy Birthday!! Maxx
Excellent life lessons....
Woofs and wags,
sitka
dear dear Maxi, you ARE THE wise one.....i applaud you my dear friend
Happy Happy Barkday and we are going to have a slice of choc cake in your honour ( my 2&3legger, not us bol...) as my sista Tiffy will turn 3months tomorrow FriMar12
TQ for the life lessons as i will revisit this whenever i don't feel like obeying rules
we love you lots and we KNOW your 10th birthday WILL be a very special one as NOT only will your parents pamper you tomorrow;
your friends around the world will be celebrating and thinking of you
Xtra chikisses from us...muuuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahz
Coco, Tiffy and mumster
Happy Birthday Max!
Love,
Homer
Wow, Max, you are such a wise pup. You have learned much and you have taught much. There are so many wonderful lessons on your list it is hard to single out the best. We really like that you are defying expectations and showing them all that Max is a fighter and is not ready to go yet. We also are very grateful that we are among your very, very large list of friends. We cherish every day and minute we have had of your friendship. Now go get ready to pawty hard - Happy Birthday, dear MaxDog.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Max,
First off and most importantly - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you dear friend!!
You are such a wise doggie. I can see I still have a lot to learn. You are kind of like my hero, I hope I grow to be as wise and handsome as you!
Wags and Woofs,
Mack and Mia
Happy Birthday Eve Max!!
I sure hope I can learn as much as you have over your 10 years here on Earth. You are one of the mostest smart dogs I know!
wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog
Yes, you may start celebrating a day early. Happy Birthday, MaxDog!
You've learned a lot of lessons - do you mind if I edit out a couple before I show them to my dogs? My dogs haven't learned about rolling in the mud yet, and I'd prefer that they didn't! But, the other lessons apply just as well to me as to my dogs.
You are a very wise dog!!!!!
Happy Birthday. We love you MaxDog.
Hi MaxDog! Thank you for your wonderful life lessons!
Laura just turned 10 two days ago and your mom must be so glad you made it to your 10th birthday!
Happy Birthday to you darling Max! Have a great day. Sleep well. Rest well. Be happy always.
Happy early birthday, Max! Gosh, you sure have learned lots and I will study and study all these advices and lessons so that when I get to be 10, I can hopefully be as smart and kind and wise and wonderful as you!
Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie
You are one wise pup. Thank you for sharing life's lessons with us. We've learned some of them -- but we still have a way to go.
2000 was a great year: our humans fell in love and got married -- so they're celebrating the tenth anniversary of firsts throughout 2010. First date. First kiss. Proposal. Wedding (not until December though).
And now they know that while they were falling in love in South Florida, a much loved puppy named Max was born in faraway South Africa.
Through our amazing cyberworld though "faraway" means nothing and now we have another 2000 - 2010 to celebrate.
So Happy Happy Tenth Barkday, Max! Enjoy every moment.
Wirey love,
Jake and Just Harry
Happy Birthday Max! You're a wise old soul :) We take your lessons to heart and will do our best.
That's a lot of really good really valuable advice, Max. For all of us. Happy Birthday!
Love
Jake and Fergi xxoo
Happy Barkday Maxdog! Thank you fur sharing with us those important life lessons!
We hope you have a wonderful barkday that's filled with lots of love and hugs and kisses and cakes and nommy yummies and bacon and steak and cookies and bones and may you have lots more barkday to celebrate!
Hugs,
Sam & June
You are soo wise Max!
Happy almost 10th birthday!
yes, mr. max, you most definitely can start celebrating now! you deserve 2 days to celebrate your birthday!! :)
i hope i can be as wise as you when i grow up.
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!!!
*woof*
the booker man
Oh MAX, you have made my day AGAIN!!! How is it that you can share some of the most obvious things that we sometimes are to busy to think about? Thank you for perspective for my day. I'm going to work on pleading eyes and look for a place in the sun.
What a great post! No wonder you have so many friends around the world, Max.
What a wonderful gift, to be able to celebrate your 10th birthday tomorrow. We think starting today is a fun idea. So Happy Birthday, Max! May it be the best one you've ever celebrated.
Happy Birthday Max. Thanks for reminding us all what a dog learns (or knows....hmmmm) in 10 years is something us humans need to be frequently reminded of. Most of us try real hard, but need the company of dogs to make us complete.
Love ya Max - be strong, eat well and sleep hard (but always on the soft bed).
KT and Lady
Hey, Max!
Happy 33rd day of Grace and a Furry, Furry Happy 10th birthday! I hope next year at this time we are celebrating your 398th Day of Grace and your 11th Birthday! Your list of learned things is wonderful and while I knew a few of them, today I am going to help Mom rearrange the furniture. Have a Happy Day today, and we will be back tomorrow to whoop it up somemore. Add Celebrating days is good for everyone to your list.
Kisses,
Stella
Yes, Max, start celebrating now, you deserve it!!...You are so wise and so incredible to have learned and achieved so much in 10 years...I am in awe of your wonderful outlook and strength; as well as that of your Mom...I hope you have the happiest of birthdays and will be back tomorrow to cheer you on as you celebrate your special day...Today and everyday, I wish you blessings and many many many more days of grace, sweet Max.
PS...I read the first comment and agree, Max's special soul and his words of wisdom are definitely worthy of a book=I would buy one too!!...You've got the makings of it already on your blog; Caryl, through you, Max has become so inspirational to us all!
Happy Birthday Max!!!!!
Elizabeth & Luna
Happy Barkday Max Boy !
Lady is hitting 10 this June too ! BOL ! ;)
Happy almost birthday Max.
Thanks fur all the wisdom, I thinks I gets most of this from you already. Just not so organized.
BUT- I can't eat with relish, I don't really like pickles.
Eatting like a pig- that I can do!
Keep defying the odds big guy!
TK
Dear Max - what a wise doggie you are! Happy Birthday in advance to you.
What a wonderful blog this is - your Mom should consider writing a book about you & the wisdom you bring to all.
Greetings from Philadelphia,
Nadine, rescue doggie Apples & golden retriever Neeli
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!! You are VERY wise and have so many lessons. You should dictate a book for your Mom to write about all your lessons learned. We could all use the wisdom you have to help us.
Love
Ernie, Sasha, Chica
Oh Happy Birthday to our special special friend!!! And Max you are so wise!!!!! You have more things to learn???? Seems impossible cuz you are so wise!!!! Keep on keeping on Max!!! You can do it!!!! Hugs, Joey and Kealani
May you have the happiest of birthdays. We really thank you for the wisdom you share today - and everyday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX. It's already your birthday here in NZ, and has been for eight hours - with friends around the world you're definitely allowed to start celebrations early and enjoy your special day for longer.
I loved your wise words - there are many lessons in there I am still trying to learn!
Have a great day - mum and I are thinking of you,
Love Riley
wow max you truely are a superdog - we have a card to send you but we dont have your email so we've put it up on our blog for you - hugest loves and licks doyle and mollie
Happy Happy Maxdog Day!
Thanks fur sharing all that wisdom -
Merdie snored in agreement!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
Birthday Greetings, Max!
You are not just gifted with a good heart you also have the gift of wisdom. Thanks so much for sharing your life lessons.
If we may add, having a few of the many photos of Max in the book would be great! =) We would support that book project too.
Enjoy your special day with Maxdog Mom, Tammy, Toffee and Tommy, dearest Max. You always brighten our day and send our special thanks to you for it.
Happy Happy 10th Barkday, Max! We love you!
-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar & Piappies Mom
*Scrappy & Bullet also greet you Happy Barkday!
ps: we sent you a happy barkday email. hope you like it
Happy 10th Birthday Eve Max....what a wonderful post...you continue to inspire me to be a better person and Madi to be a better pet. Happy Grace day too. Oh my stars you and I nearly have the same birthday...I am 8 today, March 11.
Gentle kitty kisses sweet friend,
Madi and Mom
A Happy Birfday to you, Max! You sure are wise -- and thank you for sharing that great list!
Wow! Happy 1 day early Birfday!Yes, celebrate away as far as we are concerned! Those are wonderful lessons. I will read them to Moose. He has mastered some and could use some work with others. What is this about showing intruders the silverware? Is there a story to go with this? Do tell!
My goodness! You have learned tons of stuff! Your brain is so full of wisdom we are surprised you can hold your head up!
Happy early Birthday Max!!!!!!
Aww Happy (1 day early) Birthday Max. You are wise beyond your years my friend. I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow. I know your mama will give you all the wonderful things you deserve. Have fun!
Such sage advice, dear Max! Oh my goodness how smart you are - a big part of why you are so special. Not only do you possess huge amounts of wisdom, but you are kind enough to share what you know and have learned! Thank you soooo much for sharing. We send you huge, huge wishes for a furry, furry happy and many-treat-filled birthday!
Huge Hugs and Love xoxoxoxoxoxox,
Sammie
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX!!!!!!!!!
You are wise beyond your years! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Sometimes we all need a reminder of what life is all about.
I'd say YES, start the celebration today and celebrate every single day that you've beat the clock!
Max Thank You Much love and HAPPY BIRTHDAY GJ xxx
Happy early Berfday, my sweet friend! Mom and my lives are all the better from knowing you, in your warmth and wisdom, love and joy.
Big kisses and hugs!!!
Cloud and his mom
PS. The squirrel eradication is not going so well. Fur every one I chase and bark at, two more seem to take it's place!!!
Luv,
Cloud
Happy early birthday, buddy!
Play bows,
Zim
Happy Early Birthday Max! :) Thank you for sharing those life lessons! They are all so true! :)
Mochi
Happy birthday in advance, Max! You are a very wise boy!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
Max
What a magnificent list! We are so inspired by and in awe of your knowledge!
We can't wait to wish you a very Happy 10th Birthday tomorrow.
lots of love
Clive and the NSLM
Dearest Max we Know that you will have a wonderful barkday tomorrow!
We are so proud to know you. You are such a strong, faithful and knowledgeable pup!
Thank you for giving us all a bit of your imense wisdom!
HAPPY BARKDAY TO YOU MAXDOG!!!
In our Thoughts and Prayers, Tessa and Blu
Max
I have had mommi wead and wewead all youw wowds to me..so many good advices and life lessons..thank you fow shawing them. I will aways think of you and twy to live up to youw example.
I'm so vewy vewy happy that you awe hewe to celebwate youw Biwfday wif youw Mom and family and all of us youw fwiends who love you so.
I hope you have a joyous, eawsy, soft , lovefilled day wif good sniffs and walks and eaw scwitchies and hugs and tweats and gweat wefweshing naps
I love you and am so happy to be among youw many fwiends
smoochie kisses
ASTA
Hello Max, we came over from Doyle and Mollie's to wish you a Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day celebrating your birthday. We just celebrated Minnie's first birthday on 10th March.
Happy happy happy happy birthday dear Max!!!!
What a great post you done filled with tons of important life lessons!!!!!!
You have learnt sooooo much in your life and you taught a lot to us with this post and during the past days!!!!
Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.....you made our day!!!!
Start the celebration today and pleaseeeeeeeeee....celebrate in a great way everyday you'll have in your wonderful life!!!!
We celebrate everyday smiling....loving....thinking....jumping....taking care of our humans and friends....giving our love to everyone need it.....
Life is wonderful and from when we have you in it our life sure is much more better!!!!
WE LOVE YOUUUUUUUUU!!!!
Happiest of Birthdays, Maxdog! We're so happy that you get to celebrate this day! I hope that when I celebrate my tenth birthday (a long time from now) that I am as wise as you are! Your woofs of wisdom are wonderful and really made us smile!
Bunny
Awww, Happy happy birthday Max Dog!!!
We love ya!
Shannon and the Gang
Loved loved loved this post...you are so very wise, dear Boy!!
We wish you a totally FABBERS BARKDAY...surrounded by your family and friends...
And us...we're all by your side!!!
WE LOVE YA MAX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kisses,
Scruffy, Lacie and Stanny
Happy Happy Joy Joy
We love you Max
You are the best
Many life lessons
Are learned from you
by all the rest...
of us
And we send our bestest lovies and hugs for your 10th birthday!!
What a beautiful post, Caryl!
Oh Max that is one SPECIAL day..rest up.
Happeee Birthday
Luv
Benny & Lily
Happy Birthday you big, beautiful boy! What a wonderful post! Smooches to you, puppy-boy!
Happy Birthday Max
Thank you for sharing all those awsome life lessons. You are so wise a teacher. I was wondering if you would like to go lay in the sun with me?
love
tweedles
Happy Birthday, Max!
I wish you a pawesome day!
Thanks for sharing all those lessons of life!
I promise I will practice them!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Wooooooooo-Woof! The most amazing birthday post ever! And what a grand finale. Max! Happy birthday dear furiend! Glad you started your celebrations early.
Twink!
Happy Birthday, Max!!! We celebrate your special day, your life and your wisdom! Thanks for such a great list for us pups to study and to learn from!
There are a few of those that seem a bit extreme, though... "Tolerate baths???!!!" "Share your food??!" Those will really be hard, Mr. Max!
The Country Corgi Pups
You and your family are still surrounded by our prayers! Linda and the CCC
We enjoyed reading those life lessons! Mom especially! She thinks they are wonderful and is going to print them up and read them often
Happy Birthday, Max!
PS: It was Monty's Birthday today!! The day before your birthday! Again... Happy Birthday, Max!
Max, Happy Birthday! We just love your lessons on life ~ you are so wise. We will remember them always. Thank you for sharing.
Now let's party!
Wow! So much really excellent advice. I don't think even wise old Hamish could have come up with quite such a splendid list.
Happy Birthday Max! You truly are a splendid dog.
Cheers,
Gail.
Happy, happy birthday to you Max! Your life lessons and truly wonderful, thank you for sharing with us :)
Hey Max (and pack),
Such wisdom is the key to a life fulfilled. We each learn on our own but should endeavor to also learn from others such as you. Our rescue dog Homer J. is 12 and has passed many lessons from his life to us. His days in the shelter between his first family and ours gave him a GReat appreciation for many of the lessons that you passed on. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers very close to our hearts. We love you Max. A very happy unbirthday to you. We love you.
_ TBH&K
Wonderful post, we are so sorry we are so late but HAPPY BARKDAY!!
Post a Comment