Star Gazing Dog

This deservedly popular manga book is both about a dog and about the human condition. The dog "Happie" does not really understand what is going on, but loves his human ("Daddy") and they each take care of each other to the best of their abilities. So often, that's all we can do, is it not?
The "Star Gazing Dog" concept refers to a longing for the unattainable, as a dog may gaze at the stars. There are philosophies that teach desire is the root of suffering and so it is better to free oneself from desire. However, a star gazing dog is not unhappy; it is better to love something even if it is unattainable. We all die in the end, as does the dog and his "Daddy", but in the meantime why not enjoy desire even if it remains unfulfilled?
NOTE: Medical science suggests that star gazing in a dog - an extended neck and raised head with subsequent staring at the ceiling or sky - may be the result of an esophegeal pain curable by medication. (see https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204840/ ) If your dog does this, see a vet. However, don't stop loving the unattainable; it is not bad to be a star gazing dog.