I believe life with a dog is a gift… it’s something to be cherished. Think about it for a moment. You know, we can’t always say that about some humans, can we? Okay, okay, maybe that’s a tiny bit harsh. But the message here is simple…
Life with a dog is a gift worth treasuring.
I’ll bet we’ve both likely known a few canines with a nasty disposition here and there. That foul mood that some dogs get stuck with—isn’t their fault. It’s a safe bet that tracking that scent would find a biped* residing at the head of the trail.
* bi·ped /ˈbīped/ noun – 1. an animal that uses two legs for walking.
So, exceptions and foul moods aside, you just can’t match the steady stream of joy a faithful pup can deliver. There’s nothing like a living, breathing, loving, and understanding being that’s unencumbered by the need to use words.
Yet humans require those words…
We humans require those same words simply to get by in this world.
The cool thing is, we still undoubtedly can have a conversation with our four-legged friends. I noticed this quote one day, memorialized on one of those dedication plaques while walking Brodie…
Sit down and talk it over with your dog, you’ll make a better decision.”
—Wesley Peebles, on a park bench at Bright Pond in Reston, VA
Not only will you make better choices and possibly understand more of the nuances of this life… you’ll begin to see the advantages of viewing this world from their perspective—you know, closer to the ground with all fours on terra firma!
Man, oh, man… it’s all so true.
Dogs show us a side of the world, and ourselves, that we wouldn’t be able to see without them.”
— Charley, Hannah, and Simon Perkins, family owners from the inside cover of an ‘ORVIS for Dogs’ catalog
I hope you’ve experienced the blessing of knowing how much better life can be with a four-legged, tail-wagging companion.
That you’ve had the opportunity to appreciate the…
Intimacy,
Connection,
Attention,
Affection, and
Unconditional love of these amazing beings…
And they express it all so honestly.
A dog is one of the few things in life that is exactly what it seems.”
— Unknown
So, the next time you’re curling up by the fire or getting outside for some exploring together, be sure to notice those special fleeting moments shared between canine and human. Take in the joy that comes with never tiring of the simple magic of a ball
I don’t know about you, but every once in a while, I’ll catch a gaze that seems as if he’s peering right into my very soul. Like he can actually see me for who I am.
Those moments can make us feel completely real inside.
So to wrap this one up, I’ll share a quote by the trainer, Cesar Millan. I believe it proves my case that life with a dog is truly a gift…
You never get the dog you want; you always get the dog you need.”
— Cesar Millan, dog trainer
Why is that? I believe if the truth were known, we would find they get to pick us.
Scratch that one behind the ears for a moment or two!
You’ll have to excuse me now, it’s 5:30 pm and it’s time to play. Thanks for understanding…
For getting it!
Be untucked.
p.s. Know someone who has a special dog in their life? Maybe send them the link or share it on social so they will see it there.
p.p.s. Click here to find out what our dogs can teach us about liking and being liked
Copyright © 2021 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
Spot on Jeff, many happy hours with our little pooch is best therapy there is.
You are so right about that, Mike! My pups have gotten me through many tough spots over the years…
So, so true. They can change us for the better if we let them. My life is divided into dog years. The years with Copper, the years with Candy, Gwen, Pierre, Jennah, Grant…and I learned from them all. Thanks for posting such a great reminder!
Oh, they do, Laurie! I love your thought of life in dog years. It made me smile… and remember my years with Missy (my sisters named her), Erik, Gus, Madison, Garth, and now Brodie! Thanks for sharing your *dog years* with us!