Last week I finally made it to my favorite hair salon in town, Amanda's Regal Canine. She washed and trimmed me and, thank goodness clipped my nails. Don't get me wrong — my human Tom is very attentive to my beauty needs, and I must confess, he even spoils me, but he is horrible at clipping nails. It had been a while since I received a correct pedicure. Being with Amanda reminded me how we all must take the time to take care of ourselves. You humans often call it "self-care." We dogs call it "Dog-care." This means drinking enough water and a proper diet, eating a Greenie to control plaque, getting exercise, getting your nails done and, most of all, allowing yourself to be in the moment.

Being in the moment is what we dogs do best. We don't really think too much about the future and honestly, we forget our past pretty quickly unless there has been massive conditioning or some traumatic incident. My Tom tries to self-care by exercising, playing the piano, gardening, seeing friends, going to movies and writing. He also does facial masks and pedicures, but I should not reveal too much about his personal life. I am happy to be a dog. To be honest, we truly live in the moment, especially when it comes to receiving love. I think humans really stink at that part. I have watched several humans in my life not fully embrace love when someone tries to give it to them. What's wrong with humans? Doesn't everyone want to be scratched or petted or snuggled or loved? I think that's what is wrong with humans. You don't receive love fully — without guilt, struggle or question. Dogs don't question; even when we know a human is in pain or angry, we still love. This is why we are constantly able to care for a human even if they hurt us.

Love is part of self-care. It begins with loving ourselves. For a long time, I didn't like my bark. It was just too weak and not very feminine. After years of therapy (which I suggest every human and dog should have), I accepted my bark for what it is. Now, this comes with age and wisdom. I am certain if we do not take care of ourselves we are not able to do our best for anyone else, and something as small as getting your nails done can make a dog feel alive and vibrant again. Whatever it is — a long bath, a walk in nature, painting a picture, dancing or sky-diving — try something new to help you self-care yourself. For me, like any girl, I am content with clipped and polished nails.