Your Inner Dog

by Maggie Van Ostrand

Dogs are often thought of as part human (our "furbabies"), and we sometimes dress them as human toddlers, so doesn't it stand to reason to ask if a human could be part dog? Some very famous people think so, and have long been in touch with their inner dog. Take John Wayne.

Wayne always asked friends to call him "Duke." Why did he use it as his nickname all his life? Because it was the name of his childhood dog, that's why. Duke was an Airedale and went everywhere with Wayne, as long ago as when his real name was Marion Morrison.

Because John Wayne was always with Duke, a local fireman nicknamed the young boy "Little Duke." John Wayne stayed in touch with his inner dog all his life.

Duke and young John Wayne
(next to Duke on left)

Humans often refer to their dogs as a member of the family. Amanda Seyfried told People magazine, "I'm obsessed with my dog. He's become my son." Stars and their "canine babies" have been featured in Parents Magazine.

"Clint and I feel that love is defined by caring for those who can't care for themselves. There are no boundaries for pets' love," said Lisa Hartman Black. Clint Black has referred to the many dogs they've rescued as "Velcro'd, because "we're hard to pull apart."

Of his famous Golden Retriever, Bravo, Leon Panetta said, ".... having a dog there just makes you a little more aware of what life is really about." Bravo spent much of his time at the White House, with his "dad."

I don't expect humans to start giving other people the sniff test instead of shaking hands, or multiplying their years by seven, but, if you want to get in touch with your inner dog, look to your heart. That's where they live.