What my Dog Taught Me
“No one can fully understand the meaning of love unless he’s owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.” Gene Hill, Tears and Laughter
Love me, love my dog. I never thought I would have a dog, love a dog, or sleep contentedly with – a dog. However. Inside a pet shop where I went to buy a bird, a small movement in the window caught my eye. In it was a tiny dog that looked more teddy bear than canine. I picked him up. He kissed me with puppy passion. He cuddled into my shoulder ; he was more affectionate than my ex-husband on our honeymoon. He insisted: “TAKE ME HOME WITH YOU, LADY.”
So I did. And he’s been training me ever since.
Wolfie – a Pomeranian – taught me about unconditional love. He loves me completely; his greatest joy is to be near me. He hears the word “nap” and runs to the sofa, jumps up and cuddles against me. While I work, he climbs his stairs into my bed and curls up among my pillows. Mornings, he wakes me by kissing my face.
This small animal taught me what it means to be faithful and loyal. He may take that biscuit from a visitor but let him take his leash for a walk … NO! He is “attached” to me.
He teaches me forgiveness. I have never hit him nor would I ever but I have shouted at him and he wilts. Please, don’t anyone tell me a dog doesn’t “talk”. I’ve seen Wolfie sulk, be angry with me, show me that I have hurt his feelings, and say, “Forget it; I’m not going there – or eating that – or letting that rough person manhandle ME.” And when my scolding has caused his sad look to appear, all I have to do is say “Wolfie is a good dog” and his mop of a tail will fan the air.
As for teaching me about how to deal with fear, he’s taught me as much as I’ve taught him. During thunder storms and tornado alerts, I would tell him “It’s just noise” as I stroked his body. It calmed him – and it calmed me.
Do you secretly talk to your dog? I do. And, when someone asks me why I talk to a dog, I answer: “I can tell him anything and he never tells anyone.”
Meditation for the Day
“Talking to dogs is one of the few acts of faith still made nowadays.” Paul Jennings
Action for the Day
I need to remember that most folks know how large your heart and soul is by the way
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