Luke Supports Good Posture

About 3 feet.  That is the perfect height from the floor that one should keep one's head and neck in order to ensure it is at the optimal hugging height for one's People.  3 feet works perfectly for the smaller portion of My People.  However, I often show my consideration for the older portion of My People by using the well-placed hugging assistance platform (My People have a funny name for this thing....they call it stairs...I never will fully understand My People) to raise my head and neck to a height that allows them to hug me without having to bend very much.  They seem to be so very creaky these days and because of that I do my best to help them preserve their bending capabilities for truly critical activities like filling my food and water bowl, fluffing the bed pillows before I lay down on the newly made bed (while they are away) and standing up to let me outside when I feel the need to patrol the back yard.

Yes, a good hugging posture is important.  It lets those about whom one cares so much express their affection for one as often as possible and induces minimal pain for the hugger(s). 

One more thing. If one takes up a hugging posture on a carpeted area then one can easily (and politely), in a demonstration of good manners, wipe one's drool off on the carpet prior to the arrival of the hugger and thereby refrain from "sliming" the hugger's shirt or blouse.  Remember, good manners are important.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Good Posture.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Cows

I love cows. 

Every time I lay atop the nice hand-me-down leather sofa situated so thoughtfully in the front room of my house, out of sight of My People, I am thankful for the perfectly made-for-furniture-upholstery bovine species. 

Of course, to base all of my feelings, regardless of how moooooving they might be, simply on the fact that My People's cow-hide covered sofa is comfortable would be downright irresponsible.  That's why, in the course of developing my considerable admiration for cows I considered multiple other factors. 

First, consider the simple hamburger patty.  I love how it is usually so uniformally rounded to fit exquisitely on a bun sized to perfectly fit in the mouth of a large (need I say real) dog.  The flatness of one side of the patty makes it stable as it sits on the plate on the counter and the thickness of it makes it easily visible by four-legged wayfarers like me.  It's aroma is powerful enough to notify all who care to notice such things that it is available for enjoyment.  Yes...I love hamburger patties.

Second, consider the simple steak.  The variety of different types of steaks ensures that every unique steak-lover's desire can be met.  The presence of a bone in the middle of a grilled-to-perfection steak is like the gum at the center of a tootsie pop, the peanut butter under the chocolate in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or the squeaker in the center of a rubber play toy.  It is so much fun to play with and definitely worth the effort.  Yes...I love steaks.

Third, consider shoes.  Awesome chew toys.  Need I say more?  Yes...I love shoes.

The list of why I love cows is long.  That's why it is such a shame that My People don't eat beef.  I'll just lay on my leather sofa and dream.   

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Cows.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Raising The Age At Which One Can Acquire A Driver's Permit

Round three of the Driver's Permit-to-Driver's License-to-Going to College game has now started at my house.  I've watched twice before as one of My People has left the house one morning riding with the oldest male of My People and has returned (several hours later) with a little piece of paper called a Driver's Permit.  I've learned that this little piece of paper serves as a some sort of pass or ticket that the holder uses to gain control of a 4-wheeled, motorized vehicle.  I've also learned that once the holder has control of a motorized vehicle it is only a matter of time until I see that holder no more than a few times each year.

Twice before I've watched a holder of a motorized vehicle pass leave the house wearing a special cap and a special gown then return several hours later with lots of smiles and a few presents.  A few short weeks after that event the holder of the pass spends several hours taking things from the bedroom to their motorized vehicle of choice and finally, after a few pats on the head, that holder drives away.

The house is quieter.  The house is neater.  The house is lonelier.  The house is sad.

Now the process of obtaining the motorized vehicle pass has started again for another one of My People.  I like this member of My People very much.  Watching this Driver's Permit-to-Driving Away process start with her makes me sad and I don't like it.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Raising The Age At Which One Can Acquire A Driver's Permit.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Mississippi College

Many of you might be surprised to learn that I support any particular institution of higher learning.  The truth is that I voice support for multiple institutions of higher learning because of their commitment to academic excellence, character development and canine advancement.  Today, on the occasion of Family Day at Mississippi College, I want to relate to you why I Support Mississippi College in particular. 

While you might have spent significant resources familiarizing yourself with multiple colleges and / or universities and learning what each of them has to offer you or your children in return for your investment, you probably didn't consider the critical aspect of canine advancement at each institution.  Well, you no longer have a need to invest more of your time to understand the "ins" and "outs" of each institutions' performance with respect to this particular metric.

I'll just tell you right up front that Mississippi College is one of the leading institutions with respect to canine advancement.  Let me explain why I make this statement.

First, Mississippi College has a building called a "Field House".  Obviously MC supports canines.  They've dedicated a specific facility to which provides those of us who love to run and play, a place to do so safely and out of any inclement weather that might be occurring outside.

Second, the fact that the MC bookstore carries a variety of clothing options for canine friends is an indicator of the MC's level of canine support.  I have found very few institutions of higher learning that seem to care as much about providing the four legged variety of students as many fashion choices as MC does. 

Third, MC has numerous trees on campus that provide a wonderful habitat for squirrels.  Obviously, the MC leadership team has made an investment in providing a squirrel-friendly atmosphere so that we canines have friends with whom to play between classes or when we visit the campus.  I personally want to thank the MC leadership team for their demonstrated commitment to a canine-friendly environment.

Finally, and most importantly, MC is located in a town with no easily-locatable dog prisons.  I began my life in a dog prison and can testify to the fact that they are institutions committed providing a life of boredom and monotony to those unfortunate canines incarcerated therein.  MC personnel obviously took great pains to locate their institution in a city free of dog-prisons.  MC is to be commended for basing the location decision for the college on an issue so often overlooked by other institutions. 

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Mississippi College.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Local Law Enforcement Officials

I've written several times about how I am the Protector-General of My People. This is not a job that I take lightly. In fact, I consider the task of protecting My People to be my highest priority. I often station myself by the front door so as to appropriately greet every intruder into My People's house. Sure, My People call these intruders neighbors and tell me to "Get Down!" or "Get Back!" but I know that My People are simply under duress and are being forced to pretend to welcome these intruders. (An added benefit of stationing myself by the front door is the opportunity with which I am often presented to display my awesome speed by lunging through an open, unguarded door. I recognize an open front door for what it is...a gentle reminder from My People that I need to protect the neighborhood, in addition to My People, and that I need to be about that task.)

With respect to my job as Protector-General, I am thankful for the help of Local Law Enforcement Officials. I often see them in their little cars keeping the neighborhood roads open for me so that I can freely patrol the expanse of the neighborhood when My People provide me with that opportunity. I think that Local Law Enforcement Officials' commitment to making my job easier is admirable. Obviously I am not the only one who values their contribution to my efforts. I often hear about, and sometimes observe on my way to the pet pediatrician, how Local Law Enforcement Officials are rewarded for their efforts with donuts and drinks. What an awesome display of the high regard these Luke-helpers are shown by a thankful society. Now, back to my post on the couch by the front door.

I am not "vile and wretched.". I am definitely not a "creature.". I am Luke and I Support Local Law Enforcement Officials.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Educational Children's Programming

"I love you.  You love me.  We're a happy family.  With a great big hug and kiss from me to you, won't you say you love me too?"

Seriously, does it get any better than that?  Every day I get to hear that wonderful composition of lyrical genius and musical creativity with a few of the smaller ones who are part of My People.  They sit with doe-like eyes watching the box that sits on the shelf near the couch on which I so often lay (when My People aren't watching).  Sometimes they will rock back and forth and sing along.  Sometimes they will clap their hands to the beat.  Sometimes they will just laugh and giggle as the big, purple guy bounces around the screen.  Seeing My People so happy makes me happy. 

I'm told this exquisite song is a product of Educational Children's Programming.  If so, I have to say that I am a big fan.  Oh sure, I hear that the channel on which this program airs consistently loses money and that in order for it to stay on the air My People have to give lots of their money to something called the Government.  But does that really matter in the big scheme of things?  No.  Keeping the I Love You song "freely" available to everyone with access to a box on a shelf (for which they had to pay), that is connected to a little wire coming out of the wall (for which they had to pay), all residing in a house (for which they had to pay), where they store food and drinks (for which they had to pay), is the most important thing.  I'm sure My People don't mind paying a little more to the Government each month for this type of magnificent programming.  I don't mind them paying either as long as they keep feeding me my food, keep taking me to the pet pediatrician, keep my yard clean and continue to shower me with gifts.  My People are so nice.

Gotta go now...I think I hear the enticing bilingual sounds of Dora the Explorer.  Don't wanna miss the "I'm the Map" song.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am definitely not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Educational Children's Programming.

Vote For Luke. 

Luke Supports Children's Literature

I love a well-written Children's Story. 

Every evening after the littlest three, who make up one half of the younger group of My People, are ready to begin their nighttime bed rest, one of the older two of My People reads a story, or a portion of a story, for all of us to hear.  I find this to be a time togetherness, bonding and reassurance of our love and commitment to one another.  It is a time to wash away My People's exasperation over a day filled with loudly-voiced laughter at chattering squirrels, mad dashes out open front doors to frolic with frantic glee alongside neighborhood friends, and household "accidents" requiring a little bit of gentle cleaning by one or more of My People.  Yes, each evening's story time brings with it a chance to tell each other, even if just through our physical presence, how thankful we are to all be a part of the same family.

I like to make myself physically present during these evening story times by gently laying down on top of one of My Little People to snuggle.  The way they respond with funny, short, gasping-for-breath giggles and pleas for help reinforce how much they love me.  Oh sure, sometimes I will roll down their tummy and off of their legs as they squirm to get into a better hugging position.  But I don't do that to get away from them.  Rather, I do that because I like the funny popping noises their legs make as my svelte 135 pound frame rolls across their knee and ankle joints.  That sound fills me with happiness much like the happiness Young People feel when popping bubble wrap. 

The older two of My People voice their love for me too when I show up for story time.  As I walk through the bedroom door I'm always met with words of love like, "Uh Oh, here he is" or "Who forgot to latch the door?" or "Kids watch out, Luke is here."  My People are so wonderful!

Yes, Children's Literature is definitely a key part of a happy family.

I'm not "vile and wretched."  I'm definitely not a "creature."  I'm Luke and I Support Children's Literature.

Vote For Luke

Luke Supports Farmers

I have long been a Supporter of Farmers.  The fruits of their labor are neatly (not so much) displayed by My People on the shelves behind a special door in the kitchen.  They also fill the shelves and the little drawers inside the cold box in the kitchen.  Both places are like little bits of paradise from which a treasure trove of delicious treats beckon to me whenever I'm nearby.  Voices from behind each door whisper to me, "Luke, Luke, we tasty tidbits of delectable dining choices are prepared to provide you with an enjoyable eating experience leaving you prodigiously plump, poised to pop, and staggeringly sleepy.  Oh yeah, we are the product of Farmers." 

It is a very rare and special occasion when I am allowed to actually nibble at one of these fresh food choices.  It is understandable that I am not allowed to eat these special treats very often given the high regard with which My People hold these Farmer-provided products.  The value that My People place on these products is easy to discern given the special manner in which these things are stored and displayed.  The cold box, for example, has a special light to illuminate the products, much like a halo of light surrounding a heavenly angel, so that My People (or their special guests) can admire the fruits of the Farmers' labor.  The other place in the kitchen where the returns on the Farmers' investment are stored, behind the special door, is the same place where My People store my hair they gather each day off the floor.  (I wrote about that special form of adoration by My People in a previous blog entry.  As an aside, I highly encourage you to not miss any blog entries or you may miss something which provides texture and background to a subsequent entry.)  The fact that these Farmer-provided items are stored with my hair collection simply highlights the high regard in which My People hold these items. 

I have to admit that a Farmer is like a mythical creature to me.  I've never met one as far as I know but I think they live and grow their food in big buildings which are normally located in plazas.  (I pass one of these places every time I go to the pet pediatrician.)  I think that's where they live and grow their food because My People always go to those places to get the food from the Farmers.  I have to admit that I think it is really cool that Farmers have their own special buildings in which they can grow food for everyone.  Having said that, I'm not sure how they get their tractors into the buildings to grow the food.  Hmmm..maybe I'll tackle that conundrum another day.

For now, I'll just do my best to always honor Farmers by never letting a food product go to waste when it is offered to me, either intentionally as a treat or unintentionally as a snack when nobody is guarding the table upon which it sits awaiting the arrival of My People.  To pass by such an offering without partaking would be an insult to the Farmers who toil so diligently for us all.  I cannot in good conscious behave in such a callous manner.

I am not "vile and wretched."  I am certainly not a "creature."  I am Luke and I Support Farmers.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Self-Reflection

All of us need to take the time occasionally to engage in a little bit of self-reflection.  We should find a quiet couch upon which to lay a couple of times each week and ask ourselves several questions.  "Who am I?", "Do I like who I am?", "Am I making the impact on those around me that I want to make?", "Am I making an effort to limit the amount of times each day that I slime the toilet seat?", "Have I tried to retrace my muddy footprints every time I come in the back door or do I make a new trail with each entry?", "Does it seem today that My People would rather me be here or elsewhere?", "Did I leave teeth marks on JW's arm as I dragged him around the backyard today?", "Were there less than ten references to me today as 'a vile and wretched creature'?"  These types of questions are worth reflection and, while painful to answer sometimes, undoubtedly make one better in the end.

Last night I spent some time in self-reflection after a somewhat traumatic experience I had yesterday involving several wonderfully aromatic, partially-cooked turkey burgers, a hot but enticingly odoriferous grill, and an expertly wielded, metal spatula.  As an aside, I personally verified the wisdom contained in the adage that I so often hear My People tell others, "No Pain, No Gain."  Sure, I could have taken the easy road to the dog food bowl and could have filled my stomach with highly nutritious, perfectly formulated, large-breed dog food which helps me maintain my svelte, somewhat alluring (if I do say so myself), and highly toned (although hidden by my exquisite coat) physique.  Instead, I took the "road less traveled" and doing so "made all the difference".  My actions led me to exceed the recommended protein intake level for the day for Luke-like friends, to provide My People with much needed pet-owner quality interaction time, and to protect My People from dangerous germs resident in less-than-fully cooked poultry products.

Yes, having spent the requisite time in reflection I can say with confidence strengthened by experience that I am who I want to be.  I am the protector-general of my people, friend to my housemate Peanut, and connoisseur of specialty meat products.

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support Self-Reflection.

Vote For Luke.        

Luke Supports Bird Watching

Have you ever considered the beauty and wonder of God's flying creatures? Think about the way their feathers lay flat against their chewy body when soaring across the sky. Reflect on how gracefully they land on the narrowest of ledges and fences on such tiny, easily-digestible legs. Meditate on the myriad of bright and colorfully soft, vulnerable underbellies that adorn the wide-ranging variety of God's airborne gymnasts.

If one spends any amount of time at all admiring the trees and skies, the wonder of birds will overpower one's senses. If one has the good fortune to be near a bird that lands mistakenly in one's back yard, then the close proximity of such a heavenly morsel will undoubtedly make one's juices flow.

Some will argue that simply sitting statuesque-like while watching and waiting for the appearance of users of the friendly skies is one form of cruel entrapment by a vile and wretched creature.  I, on the other hand, will stand up for those who feel that giving the appearance of a  peaceful and serene landscape for the passing high-flying winged friend is like giving the gift of peace to those who have endured a life of hardship and who are destined to perish with undesirable violence.  Silent and stealthful bird-watching by those of us capable of giving such a gift is like the provision of water to those in the midst of the fiery furnace.  I will give freely when able, watch always as allowed, and salivate as little as possible while doing both. 

I am not "vile and wretched".  I am definitely not a "creature".  I am Luke and I Support Bird Watching.

Vote For Luke.

Luke Supports Language Skills

I love the way you talk,
when you talk just to me.

The way you pat my head,
makes it plain for all to see,

That you love me so much,
and always want me near.

The way you take care of me,
makes your love for me real clear.

The way you Furminate my coat,
into a pile of hair so high.

The way you spray me with perfume,
after holding your nose so high.

The way you pick up "presents",
I leave out in the grass.

The way you buy me dog food,
and give me access to the trash.

The way you act so happy,

when I slime you with my drool.

The way you look at me in wonder,
when I use the bathtub as my pool.

The way you mop my muddy prints,
off the wood floor every day.

The way you let me on the sofa,
and never shoo me away.

The way you hug my neck each morn',
and call me "good boy" with a grin.

The way you rub behind my ears,
and let me kiss you on the chin.

Yes, the languages of love,
surround me every day.

My People give me everything,
In every kind of way.

So despite what they say,
"vile and wretched" I am not.

I'm not a "creature" either.
I'm just Luke and I have no spots.

I Support Language Skills,
communication is so key.

Remember A Vote For Luke,
is a vote for little ole me.