One thing that we dogs know more than you humans is: Everything will be ok.

It is obvious in the world we are all living in today that it is hard for humans to trust the next moment. And in my 12 or 84 years of life, I have seen a lot happen in my human's world. Like many of you, Tom has had Covid, lost a few friends, and has had some very sad news in his life, like the loss of a child he worked with within this last year. But, he keeps going, trying to make each day a little brighter, but he and I also are very concerned for the world. He told me today that airline attendants are taking self-defense classes, that there is a land far off that people are dying and trying to escape, that Covid is growing again in a different way, and that people are confused more than ever and tired and angry. There are shark attacks, a coyote chased a woman, and children are sad about masks and, and.....I told him to THINK LIKE A DOG! When everything gets to be too much, think like a dog.

Wake up to greet humans and the sky with a smile and a wag
Go walk somewhere and take in nature.
Play with your toy for distraction when it's just too much
Cuddle when you need it.
Trust there is something good that is being worked on that you cannot see quite yet.
Connect with a friend or be a friend who connects.
Sometimes allow yourself to lie in your bed with your eyes open and dream.
Really savor special snacks.
Allow people to give you love. It's ok to roll in your back and allow someone to rub your belly.
Forgive anyone you need to as fast as you can because not forgiving can make you not feel well.
Stop thinking about time. Time doesn't really exist for dogs, and you would do better to try to forget timing.