I’ve got this framed poster on my bedroom wall that Dad got me for my birthday. I see it every morning and every night, so I know it by heart:

THE WISDOM OF THE DOGS

Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t like dogs.

If what you want is buried, dig and dig until you find it.

Don’t bite if a growl is enough.

Like people in spite of their faults.

Start each day with a wagging tail.

Whatever your size, be brave.

Whatever your age, learn new tricks.

If someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit near,

and nuzzle them, gently.

It’s all true. Every single word. As I discovered last summer, when the world nearly ended.