I am enjoying a mercifully easy winter this week. It is mild and often sunny, such a welcome break from the usual dark and cold that is January in the northern states. 
Mom is of course pouring over seed catalogs and planning orders. I believe this cowdog will be herding saplings and digging holes come Spring!
With a new year, new beginnings and thoughts of the future, I am again thinking about some more Heeler lessons to start the year, as I enjoy the sunshine and watch my world from the porch.
Ask any cowdog – we have plenty of advice, most of it good!
So I’ve come up with a few more lessons from the Heeler, another cheerful dose of old dog wisdom:
Never pretend to be someone you’re not.
When you wreck something – own it; take your punishment, then run right back with a smile. They’ll forgive you. 
Heelers are born with joy – share it every chance you get. 
Stay healthy – get plenty of exercise, not too many treats, sleep well.
Always relish a good roll in the snow or grass, or a romp in the water. 
[And make a few snow angels when you can, a reminder of where you came from and where you’ll return someday]
Be master of your truck, and never miss a chance for a joyride. 
Be discerning – especially with skunks, coyotes and strangers.
Treat everyone with respect, insofar as you are able. Some don’t deserve it, but be the better dog, and extend grace. Someday, you may need that too.
Pay attention to the needs of others, especially your own herd. Be able to sit in silence, share grief, let them cry in your fur. Offer a paw.
Stay loyal and brave.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. 
Be thankful for the weather, whatever God sends. Thunder will end, the sun will shine again.
Remember to help the young’uns, walk slowly with the old, play with all.
Always stick with and stick up for your herd, your team, your family, your homeplace.
Be kind.
Between the Ten Commandments and Heeler wisdom, you have pretty good guidance on how to live successfully. Maybe I’ll continue to collect canine wisdom, and someday have my sidekick gather them into a book. 
The world would sure be better by following a cowdog’s advice.
