Start each day with a happy attitude
Greet each person you meet with enthusiasm
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Don't be afraid to stick your head out of the window
Don't hold grudges for very long
Support those in need of a friend
Explore everything as you walk through the day
When someone is having a bad day, be supportive
Take plenty of rests to re-energize so that you are ready for the next adventure
Loyalty is a virtue, so be loyal
Play is good
Food is better (appreciate every meal like it is your last)
A ball is all you need to feel fulfilled
Relieve yourself regularly to help reduce stress
Set your limits by marking your spot
Accept treats and a kind pat on the head whenever they are offered
Protect those you love and who love you
Show your passion and enthusiasm with gusto
When you see loved ones, act as if you haven't seen them for year
Be your authentic self
Display love unconditionally
Written by: Alex Pattakos and Bouvie

About the Author: Alex Pattakos' dog "Bouvie," is a black-dark gray, Dutch-bred Bouvier des Flandres. Since many people are unfamiliar with the Bouvier breed, the household name, "Bouvie," stuck with him even before he arrived at only nine weeks old (and could be held in one of my hands!) in North America as a way to help them remember it.
“He's special and one of the most important members of my family” Alex states. Among other things, he's trained as a "therapy dog" and has proven his weight in gold (he's now a 100-pound "lap dog") working closely with Alzheimer's patients; that is, he provides affection and comfort to them. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted and handled, sometimes clumsily and aggressively.
Bouvie's influence on me and others, however, goes well beyond his "official" role as a working therapy dog. Bouvie has been--and continues to be--filled with many meaning moments. Indeed, while only a "dog" to some, Bouvie is much more than "Man's Best Friend" to me. Over and over again, he's established himself to be an exceptionally wise mentor and confidant, during good times and not-so-good times. Importantly, he's demonstrated to me that too often I, like many others, become so focused on the many "tasks" that need to be accomplished day to day that I lose touch with the so-called "simple" things in life. Indeed, it is always great to have "someone" in your life, like Bouvie, who can help you slow down to remain aware of what really matters in life, as well as enjoy life's blessings and meaningful moments.