When you get to be my age (early 40’s), you start feeling nostalgia for the things you had or experienced growing up. All you have to do is look at the prices for retro video games and other classic toys in the collectors’ market to see that this is the case. For example, a 9.4 graded copy of a sticker-sealed version of the original Super Mario Brothers video game sold at auction for 300,000 dollars.

While I get nostalgic for video games sometimes, I’m more interested in TV shows and books. In fact, I have a vintage Steve Urkel doll sitting on my desk right now. Another show that makes me nostalgic is Mister Rogers Neighborhood.

When I was growing up with my brothers, we would watch Mr. Rogers Neighborhood everyday at 4:30 on our local PBS station. Often times, somebody would have to adjust the rabbit ears to get a better signal. We would usually have furry or feathered friends watching with us as our cats, dogs or pet chickens and ducks would sit with us on the couch. Anytime I see an old rerun or just a clip on YouTube, I stop and watch.

That’s because Mr. Rogers and the lessons he shared with us are timeless. Those lessons  ranged from the lighthearted (sharing) to the evils of racism. Some of my favorite episodes are when Mr. Rogers and his friends dealt with disabilities. There were three episodes that featured children in the Neighborhood who used a wheelchair, broadcasting messages of inclusion and acceptance to children everywhere. Some adults need to go back and watch those episodes, but that’s a different story.

Gabe is a good dog in general, but he does have an issue with sharing. Part of that issue is that he is a Chessie. They are notoriously stubborn and very  possessive of their humans, toys, food and treats. Gabe is also very selective about his treats. He will only eat Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats. The UPS and Fed Ex Drivers have tried to give him generic treats they keep in their truck, but Gabe refuses them all. For a dog that eats everything else, it’s quite remarkable to watch.

We are working on Gabe’s willingness to share, but he is still very jealous. He does not want me to pet the cat or the duck when I am outside. Gabe gets between me and whatever other animal I am trying to pet and starts to bark. He MUST to be the center of attention.

Gabe also refuses to share his hugs with anybody but me. As I’ve mentioned before, all I have to do is say, “Give Hugs” and Gabe puts his paws around my shoulders and proceeds to lick me all over. He used to give hugs to everyone, but now it’s only me. My sister-in-law wanted to get a hug from Gabe the other day and he refused. In a way that makes me feel great. It is a demonstration of the special bond Gabe and I have. On the other hand, I feel a bit selfish. Maybe I’m the one that needs to go back and watch Mr. Rogers.

One thing Gabe does not mind sharing is Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats. When he (I) give some to my brothers’ dogs, they will sit and wait patiently for a treat just like Gabe does. You have heard the phrase, “All Dogs Go To Heaven”. Well, based on the data I have gathered so far, “All Dogs Like Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats”.

So next time you go online to order some treats, or stop by and see Arin and her crew at a local market, be sure to pick up an extra bag to share. As Mr. Rogers might say:  Anytime we share, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.