The most important idea that Collins is trying to illustrate to us is that our happiness should be measured by the love and care of others, while appreciating the basic necessities for survival. I believe he portrays the image of a dog because in order for a dog to be happy it needs food, and the care of someone else. Collins is illustrating a simplistic happiness that should be appreciated by all. He believes that being content with the basics in life will help one achieve that happiness as long as everything in life is appreciated. He points out that at some point one will realize that love and care is an important part of happiness. Simplistic happiness branches off by the people we surround ourselves that help us grow to reach a fulfilled life.
This poem helps us appreciate the small things in life; our health and the kindness that one receives. These aspects help us reach contentment. I believe this poem is not about the life of a dog it is about how one defines a contentment. Collins starts by illustrating a dog that is turning a year older who is happy as long as he goes for a walk and lays at the feet of his companion. He does this to challenge the readers by having them to think about the satisfaction of their own life. This ultimately shows us contentment and how the human thought process defines happiness as we grow …show more content…
Clearly stating that the basic needs of love and nourishment is what keeps us growing throughout our lives. It is love that keeps us alive because of self-worth and the idea of being an important aspect in someone’s life. Moreover, it is the idea of being comfortable with what one has, obtaining happiness in what is already there and not what one wishes there to be. I believe these are the ideas that Billy Collins was trying to illustrate within his poem. In order to make this a reflection of his life, he uses a companion, a pet, to give his audience a different perspective in recognizing these