Day 498

They say that "Curiosity killed the cat," but what about dogs? First of all, I detest that particular saying and secondly, I applaud anyone with a curious nature to jump right in!

Sammy is curious to a fault! Everything that catches one of his senses becomes a target. Whether he sees it, sniffs it, tastes it, touches it or hears it, an investigation of mass proportions ensues! Our training walks are about 50% successful while the other half consists of squirrel sightings, airplane noises, grass sniffing and a host of other walking adventures.

Being an educator for decades helped me to experience questioning at its finest. From kindergarten inquiries to college musings, my world was filled with questions. Encouraging my students, young and old, to search for answers was a joy to behold! It was like watching personal computers analyze information and file answers away in their 'brain files.' Never being one to hand out the answers, the focus was always on teaching my students to plot a course to discovery.

Today, with smart phones, "Alexa," and "Hey Google," we are fast becoming a community of instant answers and knowledge. Although I embrace technology and new ideas, it seems my brain relies on a quick response from a machine rather than giving my brain a workout!

Hopefully our brains won't atrophy with little use or mental exercise. Use it or lose it?

The next time I need to go back and search for a name, date or informational tidbit, I will try to exercise my brain instead of calling across the room to my Alexa!

As for our sweet Sammy, he will continue to entertain with his curious nature. I hope he never changes!