We are not Xeriscape Lawns

Recently Jet (my foster mom) and I took a little trip to a place where all the yards are missing. At least that’s how it seemed to me. Jet says this is a special type of yard or landscape that humans call: xeriscaping (word of the day).

It’s mostly a naked space with sparse, straggly bushes on it that don’t need a lot of water. – Perfect for dry climates or places that have very strict water conservation rules. If you’re not sure what I mean, view the photo below and you’ll get the idea.

I can honestly say that this type of yard is not a great deal of fun for a dog. It’s not fun to smell, to walk on, or to play on… This lawn needs little attention, grooming, nurturing, little/irregular watering and limited fertilizer (food). Sometimes I think humans think dogs are like xeriscape lawns. They bring us home and then give us little time, love, nurturing, limited water and food at inconsistent intervals. We’re dogs, not xeriscape lawns.

So, here’s my lesson of the day… Xeriscaping is perfect for humans with lawns that must thrive in dry climates with little water or attention in order to thrive. Dogs, on the other hand, need the nurturing arms of a human, daily feedings, plenty of water, the time and attention of the human heart in order to thrive. The payout? Xeriscapes yield a nice landscape with little effort; dogs yield an incredible abundance of joy and fulfillment with just a little more (consistent) effort. Even a dog knows this is a good deal.

Okay, here’s the question of the day from Jake who asked: Can you tell me how old I am? My silly parents only talk about human birthday years. – Means nothing to me.

Hey Jake:
I can see you’re a straight to the point type of guy. Please see dog age chart below to determine your age or as Jet likes to say, you are the age you believe you are…

Age of Dog		"Human" Years
5 months	=	10 years
8 months	=	13 years
10 months	=	14 years
1 year	=	15 years
2 years	=	24 years
3 years	=	28 years
4 years	=	32 years
5 years	=	36 years
6 years	=	40 years
7 years	=	44 years
8 years	=	48 years
9 years	=	52 years
10 years	=	56 years
11 years	=	60 years
12 years	=	64 years
13 years	=	68 years
14 years	=	72 years
15 years	=	76 years
16 years	=	80 years
17 years	=	84 years
18 years	=	88 years
19 years	=	91 years
20 years	=	94 years
21 years	=	97 years
22 years	=	100 years
23 years	=	103 years
24 years	=	106 years

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