WHAT'S UP, DOG?

WHAT'S UP, DOG?
Hey there! Welcome to my blog. I'm a free dog living in Portugal and I write about my life as an artist and street dog. This blog is a way for me to have more of a connection with other dogs (and people), to share ideas, experiences and some of my art. I love to hear what others have to say so feel free to comment on any of the posts or to contact me via e-mail. If it's your first time here, you might want to check out my first post and read on from there. You can also have a look at my profile in the column to the right.
Tchao-wow,
Ruca

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Love is better than anger


I have a few Canadian friends through Facebook and it’s from them that I recently learned about an extraordinary man. His name was Jack Layton. He died on Monday.

journal page with ink, watercolour, inktense pencil, torn paper


He was something called a politician. I’m not familiar with this word. I asked my friend if it came from the word polite and she assured me that it’s unlikely, given the way most politicians behave.

But Jack was a different sort of politician. In fact, it seems that Jack differed from other politicians in more ways than this. He was kind. He was sensitive. Mischievous, affectionate, loyal.  Energetic, empathetic. Selfless. Determined. Hmmm, I thought: These words can be used to describe most dogs. From what I can tell by reading about him, he had the goodness of a dog with the vision of a humanitarian. He was a perfect hybrid of human and canine.

I realize that some people reading this might think this is a demeaning comparison, but keep in mind what I am. I am a dog and I know dogs. I trust dogs. I understand dogs. Dogs are pure and kind and good in a way that few people are. And any dogs who aren’t have a reason, and that reason is usually the fault of a human.  We aren’t perfect. There are elements of our nature that I’m not proud of. But as the generations pass we are working at becoming better.

I see Jack as having possessed all the good characteristics of a dog combined with all the good qualities of humans, including a formidable human intelligence. He used these strengths to work at making Canada and the world a better place for all. He respected people, animals, the earth. He worked for a better future.  Even as he was dying he looked to the future and wrote a letter to Canadians which concludes with a few powerful lines. If we all believe these words and live by them, indeed the world will be a better place.
   
“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” - Jack Layton

10 comments:

  1. What very sensible words to leave us all with. Thanks for posting this Ruca.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ann, you're welcome. Yes, sensible words indeed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so very moved by the sentiment and your layout plus drawing is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. nice tribute to a wonderful human--I want to be more like him! Thanks for the reminder that there are saints among us

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish we had more politicians like him.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like a wise man. Too bad he has left this earth!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you Anonymous (if that is in fact your real name!). Yes, reading his final words moved me too and when I saw his photograph I was transfixed by the incredible expression in his eyes.

    Celeste, I want to be more like him too! The dog qualities aren't too much of a stretch for me but his ability to think and act globally is quite a paw-full.

    Jonas (Revolving Doors), Yes, more people like this would be good. I'm not sure they need to be politicians;-D

    Jacqueline, it is so sad that he is no longer here, but his words seem to be affecting many people (and others) and if this can continue his goodness will spread.

    Thank you all for being touched by this post.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think he threw away the politician's manual when it was issued to him. He had a dog's manual instead. And a dog's fine wisdom.

    ReplyDelete
  9. A very wise dog you are.. and a great sketcher.

    Cheers
    CyberDave
    Vancouver, Canada

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dan, I'm happy to know that you understand about dog wisdom. I think you have a touch of it too if I'm not mistaken!

    Cyberdave, thanks for the double compliment. And I think you are new around here so thanks for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...