Today, August 15, marks exactly 3 weeks since Osric, my fur nephew has been staying with me. His dad and one of my besties is moving and I offered to look after him. I don’t know how long I will have him, but I am enjoying every minute of it. During this time, I have learned 5 wonderful things from him.
- Drink lots of water! Every opportunity Oz has to ferociously lap at a bowl of water he does–whether it’s here at my home or at the dog parks in North Vancouver. In particular, the park at Harbourside Seawall and the smaller one beside Waterfront Park, near the Lonsdale Quay Market and seabus station.
2. He taught me to stretch more. After taking a nap, sitting or lying down in the same position, Oz always stretches. The yoga pose, Down Dog has several benefits: it elongates your spine, strengthens the muscles in your arms, upper back and shoulders. hands, wrists and fingers, opens up the backs of your legs and improves circulation, and relieves tension and stress.
My Fur Nephew is The Best Dog I Have Ever Met
3. Be sociable. Osric has a great personality and is friendly with everyone, human or dog. I have never seen him get mad — when I accidentally wake him up from a nap, take a little longer to get ready or I am slow to keep up with his fast pace. He is very relaxed and even-keeled.
4. And take daily walks! Walking lowers your blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and increases your metabolism. It will help you to live longer. Japan has one of the largest number of centenarians in their country because they walk a lot and eat a lot of seafood. Luckily for me, I have been taking Osric out for 3 walks a day.
5. Also, don’t stay mad at your loved ones. I just yelled at Mama and shortly after I did, my fur nephew came to check on me. He rubbed the top of his head on my leg a couple of times–like don’t be mad. My heart just melted and all the anger disappeared. He is such a wonderful addition to my family and it makes me sad that I won’t be able to see him everyday when Ben takes him back.