Years Ago, David Letterman's "Stupid Dog Tricks"

Years ago, David Letterman featured a segment called Stupid Dog Tricks, where dogs and their owners would perform a trick on the show. While these tricks varied in complexity and creativity, the underlying theme was a fun and entertaining display of the bond between dogs and their owners. Even if the tricks were deemed 'stupid' in the traditional sense, they were nonetheless an endearing showcase of the unique rapport that humans and canines can share.

Tricks My Own Dogs Know

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have created a number of training videos on my YouTube channel that feature the playful and endearing tricks my dogs know. From simple commands to more intricate behaviors, these tricks have become a central part of our relationship and a way to keep my dogs engaged and stimulated.

Backyard Pipeline Adventures

One particularly interesting behavior I’ve observed in my dogs is their ability to hold a leash in their mouths while walking alongside me, a skill that was honed during the basic training sessions I organized with a professional trainer. This impressive display of canine intelligence is something I often witness as I traverse the pipeline that runs along my backyard. Watching dogs trot alongside me with their leashes in mouth is a testament to their problem-solving skills and bond with me.

Stories of Abandoned Puppies

While my dogs have many impressive tricks up their sleeves, my tale begins with an abandoned puppy—a pit bull nearing five weeks old, found in a large blue plastic drum in a parking lot. The owner had discarded him in the trash, likely out of despair over his deficiencies. The event was not predetermined, but the moment I found him, it became a turning point in my life.

An Abandoned Puppy’s Fate

Due to a life-altering accident, the puppy was born with a condition that left him unable to walk properly, a burden his anxious mother may have deemed too significant to keep intact. The thought of losing another child to such a fate was too much for his human counterpart, who simply disposed of him, reasoning that in the wild, his unfortunate condition would make him a prime target for predation. That day, I happened to be passing through a parking lot with my other dog, lost in a moment of melancholy as I observed her playing with gulls. While walking, I noticed a large garbage drum. As I often did, I casually glanced into one of the bins, only to find a small and frail pit bull puppy, neglected and left to his own devices.

Inspiration and Manifestation of Grief

Seeing that puppy in that bin, my heart filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. The grief I felt for that tiny pup was mirrored by the grief I had for my own life, a life marked by a profound sense of loss after the passing of my beloved wife to cancer. That day, seeing the plight of that puppy, was my final breaking point, a moment that reignited emotions I had long suppressed. It was a sense of purpose and responsibility that this diminished puppy restored to my life, a purpose that I had feared I would never regain.

Seven Years and an Emotional Bond

Seven years have passed since that heartbreaking yet life-affirming moment. My life now revolves around my dog, Mr. Bentley. No amount of time has diminished the sadness over my wife’s loss, but the presence and love from my dog have mitigated the sense of despair. He fills a void that nothing else can, and I cannot imagine a life without him. Without him, there would be no semblance of a life for me.

Conclusion

The story of my relationship with Mr. Bentley teaches us that even “stupid” dog tricks can have profound emotional and psychological impacts. The simple acts of training and playing with our dogs not only bring joy and entertainment but also serve as a powerful means of emotional healing and connection. So if you’re considering teaching your dog a new trick, remember, every moment with your furry friend is precious.