Doggone it!  It’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions.

Some will resolve, “Absolutely, 2010 will be the year I lose weight, exercise more, spend less, stop smoking, end the family feuds and finish all the half-finished projects.”

Not me. Since I’ve worked like a dog for years, I’m resolving to live the awesome life of a dog.

Dogs are valued as loyal companions, members of the family and best friends. Doesn’t get much better than that, yet the canine species has also mastered the art of living in the now. Think of the freedom of being concerned with nothing more than the here and now.

There is one exception to a dog’s here and now lifestyle -- they bury bones and remember exactly where they’ve buried them. Is that an investment in the future, or what?

I like that idea. It makes me wonder what I love enough to bury in the back yard for safekeeping. Remembering where it’s buried will be the biggest challenge.

Speaking of memory, I am reminded of a small magnet that’s stuck to my refrigerator door. It reads, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” I think it’s me you can’t trust to watch your food, so I’m giving up any, and all, resolutions relating to food.

Dogs love to go for walks. Most prefer pausing at fire hydrants and bushes that are marked with messages from every terrier, boxer, collie, poodle, pit bull and mutt in the neighborhood. I’m going to enjoy leaving my messages alongside theirs.

Sniffing to their heart’s content is vital to the life experience of dogs. They don’t hesitate to stick their noses in your crotch, either, but don’t worry, when I assume the life of a dog, I’ll refrain from such behavior and keep my sniffing to the roses, pine needles and cedar boughs.  Admittedly, my nose will perk up when passing the local bakery.

Applying dog commands to my life will be interesting, particularly sit and stay. When boredom sets in, which often signals that it’s time for a snack, sit and stay will be useful.

Let’s discuss the issue of treats and bones. Most dogs are quite selfish and not at all willing to share their treats and bones. I think I’m going to enjoy asserting myself with an occasional growl when someone attempts to steal my treats.

I’ll give up the human habit of chewing the fat and take up chewing a bone instead. Sounds like a weight loss program to me.

Dogs are consistently loyal, dependable, and willing to express unconditional love, 24/7. I’m willing to take lessons. Yes, I’ll gaze into the eyes of those I love, but shaking my boodie as often as my dog wags his tail will require some practice.

Dogs love to be together, romp together and travel together. They are pack animals. I like this quality. It’s different from our American culture that promotes self-sufficiency and independence.

I appreciate how easily dogs work things out. Prancing, sniffing, dodging, crouching, ears perked up, hair on end -- most of them don’t take each other very seriously. They adjust quickly and carry on with life. Respect seems to be encoded in their genes.

In dog years, I’m nine, so I’ll command a little respect in the pack. I’m sticking with the idea that you can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

Yes, I might roll over, but please, no agility courses. It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there, and I’m already hounded enough. And, don’t call me a hot dog, either.

What about barking? There are the yappers, and then there’s the neighbor’s dog that barks and snarls every time I walk by. He’s tethered to a tree. Maybe that’s why he snarls. I’m sure I’d bark and snarl, too, if someone tied me up.

Give me the life of a dog like my dog, any day. Yes, I’m willing to trust, like he does, that I’ll be fed and doors will be opened for me. And I look forward to finding the best sunny spot in the house and basking there for hours.

But, please don’t apply the flea repellant. It wears off with time, and so do resolutions.