Pirata, a dog rescued from Mexico a couple of months back, shares what he’s learned during his time north of the border, now safe in a loving home.

1.Never Lose Hope
Because....look where you can end up.

2.A little swagger goes a long way
These people here in California sure go crazy when I wag my tail, greeting them with my charming Meximutt swagger.

3. People sure like to kiss my face
I had never been kissed before in my whole life -- not once. But these days, regular kisses are my favorite part of the day

4.The grass is greener...
I'm from the desert, sure never had seen grass before. The first time I did, I rolled around for a good twenty minutes and it's been glorious ever since!

5.It’s ok to let your guard down
I’m still working on this one. But , you know, it isOK to trust -- these people aren’t going to hurt me and life is good.

6.Dinnertime is awesome
Steady, yummy meals set at my feet twice a day – are you serious???? I used to scrounge daily just to get by. This, my friends, is the good life.

7.Other dogs kinda like me
In Mexico, I was low man in the pack and sure got picked on a lot. Here in my new family, I have a dog buddy named Frida and the other dogs I meet like to play with me and actually kinda like me

8.People really dig me
Meximutt appeal goes a long way around these here parts. Before I was just another mangy street dog, but around here everyone I meet seems to think I am the cutest thing since Benji.

9.Baths are part of the deal
It can’t all be roses….regular bathing seems to be part of the deal here in California, especially as mom tries to help me get over the crummy skin diseases I had back in Mexico. I do smell better, though, which helps when cuddling up at night to my best friend.

10.Love is real
I didn’t even know what love was before, but boy do I now. And, it’s a two way street. I love my family and they love me.

Love really does makes life worth living.