Happy people make for more happy people, while unhappy people . . .

By Strider the Dog

Dear Strider,

I enjoy your column very much. I have a question for you.

There seems to be a lot of divisiveness in our country and community now. I wanted to know, from your perspective, how you get along with cats? They’re certainly very different from dogs, with different goals and different objectives. Yet they are four-legged creatures who spend time with, and even depend upon, humans, too, just like dogs. Do you get along with them? If so, do you have any advice for me to get along with the cats in my life? (So to speak… )

Furry Friends or Foes?

— Raymond S.

Dear Raymond,

Totally hear you. That divisiveness thing is a major drag, in the life of a dog or, so I’m told, a human. It’s just tough to be on opposite sides of a fence and not able to enjoy the possibilities when you’re both frolicking in the same field. That said, sometimes it just isn’t possible. But sometimes, with luck and an open mind, it is.

For example. It’s true cats aren’t quite into frolicking the same as dogs. My two cat pals, Sumi and Kanji, think a good time is night hunting for mice and squirrels. When they’re out partying, I like sleeping soundly on my orthopedic bed. Also, I’m a herding dog, which means I don’t have much prey instinct. I might chase a squirrel, but it’s all in fun. Luckily they’re always faster than me, since I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught up. That game usually ends with them running up the Old Cedar Tree, and us having a chat. Kind of a deranged chat, if I’m honest. I don’t get squirrels. They talk too fast, for one thing. I never tell them that, though. Don’t want to hurt their feelings.

But that’s off the subject, sorry. What I meant to say was, Sumi and Kanji and I have some things in common. We all love our homes. We all love our peeps. We all three love Koda the Dog, who lives with them. And it’s on that ground that we meet.

Is it possible you could do the same for the cats in your life? I mean, think about where you meet, mainly the things, the places and the creatures you love, and work from there? Warning: You may have to be the first one to show you’re calm when the other creature hisses. That usually brings them to the same vibe. That’s how I made friends with Sumi and Kanji. If that doesn’t work, of course, it’s sad, but you have to let them go their own way. You can’t fix rage except by walking away. And then, of course, by having fun on your own, with those creatures who want to have fun too.

It is sad when a cat doesn’t want to be friends. But I don’t worry about it too much. I just let them go without an argument. If there’s one thing a dog hates, it’s a useless argument. And it’s always a useless argument once you get into it with a cat.

Hope that helps.

Dear Strider,

I wonder if you have any ideas about something that puzzles me. So often, you see someone in the news who seems to have everything: fame, fortune, beautiful looks. And yet they’re so angry about something someone else is doing, even though it doesn’t affect them. I’m thinking of those famous people who get so mad in public at others for what pronouns they want to use, or who they want to marry.

It seems to me that when you have everything, you should be happy and just enjoy it. Not waste time trying to make other people think the same as you.

But what do you think, Strider?

— Perplexed

Dear Perplexed,

As a dog, I don’t get it either. So I took this question to the Old Cedar Tree. They thought for a moment, and had this to say:

“There are humans who think they’ll be happy when they have everything they want. Then they get to have everything they want, and they aren’t happy. That makes them angry. They want more. They’re sure someone else has to be the problem. So they start looking around for people or things to blame. They think if they can force them to do what they want, then they’ll be happy. But they won’t be happy, even then.”

The Old Tree gave a deep, sad sigh. Then they said, “Here’s the secret of happiness: be happy with what you have. Those people who don’t know the secret are very sad. Unfortunately, they make other people sad, too.”

I have a question, too, Perplexed. Why do humans, who have so much, always want more? It’s a puzzle. I’ve got no idea what the answer might be, except to love what I have myself and try not to blame others for what I don’t.

So, I guess, let’s get on with that. What do you think?

Got an answer to his question for the Dog About Town? Or just a general reflection? Why not email askstrider@ashland.news ?