The upcoming Memorial Day holiday makes an old dog reminisce about days gone by, when pups spent the day outside; playing ball, helping with chores and breathing in the fresh clean air.  You don't see the young dogs out much anymore, as they were back in my day.  It seems like they've retreated to their homes, or they're being sent to obedience school or puppy daycare or such.  Their lives are being scripted and micromanaged by their owners, and from an old dog's perspective that's not a good  thing.  In my day the neighborhood children and their dogs would be out romping and playing from early morning until dusk.  There would be a short break for a quick bowl of chow and a drink for lunch.  If I was lucky I'd get a bite of my own child- master's sandwich and I'd hope that he or she would spill a little lemonade so I could taste the tart sweetness.  The dogs would play along (I admit, at times we were tied to a tree in the shade) as the kids played sandlot baseball or soccer or tennis.  There was so much laughter and energy!  On some days the kids would take hikes along the pond and search for muskrats or turtles or frogs.  I came along to chase away the Canadian geese, and protect the kids from any coyotes that might happen by.  You never knew what other dogs and neighbor kids you might run into and how the day might turn out.  Not back then, in the good old days.

     I look out my window and see a parade of dogs and their owners taking nice planned walks along the road out front.  I'd like to join them, but I still haven't figured out how to open that darn front door.  Besides, the masters probably wouldn't approve, it's not in today's plan. It seems like dogs and kids have their lives preplanned and scripted these days.  There's always someplace to be, and some club that your kid has to be in.  When the children are home, they often spend the day watching television or playing video games.  These things aren't very interactive from a dog's point of view.  Why not go out and have real adventures of your own?  Why not see what the day brings if you spend it outside, interacting with nature and other animals?  Have your dog show you how, if it's a skill that you've forgotten. I can only tell you that back in my day it was great fun.  It provided memories that have lasted a lifetime. Being in clubs and planning every days activities down to the minute might have some benefits too.  I guess whatever is gained in one direction is lost in another.  We dogs recommend that you spend the holiday, and most of the upcoming summer, without a watch and without a compass. It would be a summer that you would reminisce about and regard fondly, when you're an old dog yourself ,someday.