Louie, my precious Yorkshire Terrier, makes me laugh several times a day. He also makes me angry, and sometimes quietly breaks my heart. He understands words well and reads the room quickly, yet he often ignores me simply because he is too playful. When that happens, I feel frustrated, but I also catch myself thinking that this mischievous energy is exactly what makes him Louie.
1. Jameson Rodgers And Good Dogs
Good Dogs is a song released in 2021 by Jameson Rodgers. It was inspired by the experience of losing a beloved dog. The gentle guitar sound and calm vocals create a quiet, reflective mood.
One line repeats throughout the song: “Good dogs don’t live long enough.” It is a simple sentence, but for anyone who has loved a dog, it lands heavily.
Good dogs don’t live long enough.
2. The Meaning I Hear Between The Lines
When I hear that repeated line, I always feel there is something unspoken following it. In my mind, it continues with, “So love them while they’re here.” Because good dogs don’t live long, we are meant to love them more deeply during the time we share.Louie is playful, noisy, and often disobedient. He causes trouble more often than he follows instructions. Still, I want him to live a long, healthy, and happy life. The idea that “good dogs” leave early bothers me, but I also believe Louie does not need to fit anyone’s definition of a good dog. As long as he does not harm others, that is enough. I will love him fully and hope he stays by my side for a very long time.
3. Thinking About My First Dog
Before Louie, I had my first Yorkshire Terrier, Bbotto. He was the complete opposite of Louie. Quiet, gentle, and endlessly well behaved. He never caused trouble, not even once. Bbotto passed away suddenly at just four years and two months old.The shock was overwhelming, and for a long time, I could not move forward. Perhaps that is why I am more attached and forgiving with Louie now. The lyrics about good dogs not living long enough stayed with me because of that loss. In truth, the line may simply mean that a dog’s time is short, no matter how good they are.
4. A Quiet Form Of Comfort
When I listen to Good Dogs, I tell myself this quietly: “Louie does not need to be a good dog.” He can be loud, playful, and stubborn. The song is sad, but it also comforts me when I am tired.Instead of scolding or suppressing Louie, I try to see him as he is and find ways for both of us to feel calmer. As Louie constantly tests my patience, I find myself turning to music more often, using it to slow down and breathe.
Reflections
Today, I shared my thoughts while listening to Good Dogs and remembering my first dog, Bbotto, alongside my life with Louie. The lyrics are painful, but they remind me how precious our time with dogs truly is. Even when Louie refuses to listen, he remains endlessly lovable to me.
If we could live together for forty years, I would gladly choose that. Reality does not allow it, but if I could share my lifespan with him, I would. If you have a song that comforts you when life with your dog feels overwhelming, I would love to hear about it. I hope we can all spend warmer, gentler days with our dogs for as long as possible.