No. No they don’t already know how to be good. It takes training. Some people don’t realize that, which is why dogs end up at the shelter. Dogs do know how to love unconditionally, though.
Many rescue dogs (and cats) have lived through unimaginable cruelty and survived physically, but a learned fear and distrust of humans often keep them in “survival mode,” preventing them from being a fun companion.
If anyone reading this strip hasn’t already seen the movie, A Dog’s Purpose, they need to watch it. I’m more of a cat person, but I like dogs too. It’s a great movie.
Reminds me of an old Paladin episode where Paladin quoted the tsar to the effect that the good die young that they may not fall into error, but the evil live on that they may repent.
Dogs could live to be nice, the owner is the one who works with them to teach them bad. We had 3 Goldens and my daughter gives them Moringa to help fight cancer the oldest male is 11 years old and Moringa made him more lively.
Update: my sweet kitty voluntarily walked about 12 feet to get by the side of the bed and patiently waited for me to lift her up on it, and she drank some water!
Pain medication and corticosteroid injection helped?
I’m crossing my fingers and lighting a metaphorical candle…
This guy here in my avatar was just diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease which is fatal. He’s been a wonderful companion and will be sorely missed. This is the last one in a long line just like Grandpa is teaching Nelson about. God willing I will have another before it’s my time to join them all. At least that’s what I hope for.
Mikey Jay almost 3 years ago
Oh, the priceless innocence and simple faith of a child…
hariseldon59 almost 3 years ago
Except when people train them to be vicious.
Templo S.U.D. almost 3 years ago
Very nice, Nelson.
Concretionist almost 3 years ago
Generally true. Though I’ve known a few…
Wilde Bill almost 3 years ago
We had a vicious little poodle. No wonder the darned thing lived so long.
californiamonty almost 3 years ago
I’m sure I’ve seen or heard Nelson’s line before.
profbob almost 3 years ago
Roscoe in panel 4 appears to agree with Nelson’s opinion.
Pgalden1 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Solid thinking Nelson.
jmworacle almost 3 years ago
That’s one way of looking at it.
kelloggs2066 almost 3 years ago
It’s sad having to say Goodbye to a Good Dog.
sandpiper almost 3 years ago
A wise child.
PDXCubbie almost 3 years ago
Well said, Nelson! Well said….
juicebruce almost 3 years ago
Roscoe is thinking that’s nice. Now how about a nice belly rub !
iggyman almost 3 years ago
Well said Nelson, I totally agree!
iggyman almost 3 years ago
“All dogs go to heaven”
dadoctah almost 3 years ago
And he didn’t have to sit under a bo tree until his legs fell off to reach that conclusion, either.
dlkrueger33 almost 3 years ago
I guess cats aren’t nice. They are given 9 lives to get it right. LOL
duggersd Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Why is it dogs don’t get to live too long but still have to die old? —Bojangles
bittenbyknittin almost 3 years ago
No. No they don’t already know how to be good. It takes training. Some people don’t realize that, which is why dogs end up at the shelter. Dogs do know how to love unconditionally, though.
jagedlo almost 3 years ago
And the look on Roscoe’s face and his tail wag is his version of saying “Amen”…
More Coffee Please! Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Well said!
WaitingMan almost 3 years ago
Nelson never met Zelda, my parent’s dog. The bitch was pure evil.
Thechildinme almost 3 years ago
Many rescue dogs (and cats) have lived through unimaginable cruelty and survived physically, but a learned fear and distrust of humans often keep them in “survival mode,” preventing them from being a fun companion.
rich5021 almost 3 years ago
If anyone reading this strip hasn’t already seen the movie, A Dog’s Purpose, they need to watch it. I’m more of a cat person, but I like dogs too. It’s a great movie.
walstib Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Doggone it!
wongo almost 3 years ago
I agree.
ANIMAL almost 3 years ago
“Good” boy…….
jslabotnik almost 3 years ago
Giant Tortoises must start out really bad, or are really slow learners
The Old Wolf almost 3 years ago
This is an old story, but it’s nice to see it echoed here.
jeanie5448 almost 3 years ago
Out of the mouth of babes
Zebrastripes almost 3 years ago
Awww! Trying to reason ….
EuroHomer almost 3 years ago
Saw something similar recently on FB, but it referred to learning how to love
IshkaBibel1 almost 3 years ago
Ah, good old fashioned sappy drivel. “sniff”
DawnQuinn1 almost 3 years ago
Out of the mouths of babes. Nelson spoke the truth.
hooglah almost 3 years ago
Absolutely true.
prrdh almost 3 years ago
Reminds me of an old Paladin episode where Paladin quoted the tsar to the effect that the good die young that they may not fall into error, but the evil live on that they may repent.
rickmac1937 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Looks like Nelson got it right
swanridge almost 3 years ago
People know how to be good, its just that half of them choose not to on a continual basis.
KEA almost 3 years ago
wouldn’t have to say goodbye if you never said hello
Holilubillkori Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Rainbow Bridge Reunion…
DondiDoo almost 3 years ago
May you outlive many dogs
Cozmik Cowboy almost 3 years ago
That might explain why my dad’s still going at 90…………
kab2rb almost 3 years ago
Dogs could live to be nice, the owner is the one who works with them to teach them bad. We had 3 Goldens and my daughter gives them Moringa to help fight cancer the oldest male is 11 years old and Moringa made him more lively.
writerofstories almost 3 years ago
This strip is most often funny and light-weight – but I love how the cartoonist sometimes slips in some sweet stuff like this!
ArtisticArtemis almost 3 years ago
…and cats usually live longer than dogs because they’re mischievous!
=^_______^=
>^..^<
ArtisticArtemis almost 3 years ago
Update: my sweet kitty voluntarily walked about 12 feet to get by the side of the bed and patiently waited for me to lift her up on it, and she drank some water!
Pain medication and corticosteroid injection helped?
I’m crossing my fingers and lighting a metaphorical candle…
BryanWoolman Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Best of the best.
BJIllistrated Premium Member almost 3 years ago
This guy here in my avatar was just diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease which is fatal. He’s been a wonderful companion and will be sorely missed. This is the last one in a long line just like Grandpa is teaching Nelson about. God willing I will have another before it’s my time to join them all. At least that’s what I hope for.
Ginny Premium Member almost 3 years ago
As the saying goes – “only the good die young”.
Malcome1 almost 3 years ago
Sorry, not all dogs. Like people, some are just not wired the same.
Darth Stevious almost 3 years ago
I don’t like dogs but that got even me in the feels
wbbh almost 3 years ago
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” ― Will Rogers
Back to Big Mike almost 3 years ago
Inspired words, Nelson.
David Huie Green AmericaIsGreatItHasUs almost 3 years ago
Then why am I still here??
w16521 almost 3 years ago
Roscoe really likes the compliment.
freshmeet2030 almost 3 years ago
… but “only the good die young.” — billy joel
Laurie Stoker Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Yes, Nelson. This is exactly right.
Brent Rosenthal Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Amen Nelson
ragsarooni Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Out of the mouths of babes…..
pbr50138 almost 3 years ago
Dogs are born good. It’s the owners that turn into bad.