5 Things I Love About My Dog
Dogs. So easy to love. And to laugh with. And to cry with. And to adventure with. What do you love about your dog? What is it about your best friend that makes your heart light?
1. My dog makes me laugh.
You wouldn't think to look at my ultra-alert and intense wild-dog Bronte that she has a sense of humor. But she does. She has perfect comedic timing in the way she preps for our walks by doing her elaborate happy dance, leaps about when I come through the door - even if I just stepped out to take the recycling to the curb, tosses her previously-ignored toys in the air when her Chi-buddy Valentino comes to visit, and contorts into the craziest positions when she wants a belly rub. Her eyes say: Isn't this great? What a fun adventure life is! Don't you love being alive?
2. My dog leans into me when I am sad.
Dogs know when we most need a hug. Or a good lean. Or a head on the knee. They intuit when we are at that place of feeling unsure or overwhelmed or sad or lost. And they know how to offer that feeling of silent support when we need it the most. There is so much comfort in a dog hug.
3. My dog likes being with me.
True, the opening of the fridge door can summon Bronte with speeds that explain all of life's time-space quantum mysteries, but she is also always here with me when I am not eating, cooking, or raiding the fridge. When I am at my desk, when I am doing laundry, when I am loading the dishwasher, when I am on the phone. She is my touchstone. My reminder that life is good. Take a moment and just enjoy it.
4. My dog gets me outdoors and exercising three times a day.
Enough said. Anybody who can inspire me to unplug from my desk or phone or chores and walk the trail that loops behind my house three times a day with joy, happiness, and wonder in my heart is one heck of a fitness coach. She motivates like no other. Her unabashed excitement when she sees her leash and my favorite trail hat gives me joy every single time. Dogs possess an infectious enthusiasm that wins a smile every time. Their appreciation for the present moment -- even in those times when we think we don't have time for the present moment! -- provides the balance that my day absolutely needs.
5. My dog accepts me and my imperfect love without question, comment, or judgment.
My dog knows that I try. She does. She knows that I am not perfect. She knows that one of my favorite quotes is, "I aspire to be the person my dog thinks I am." She understands that I get caught up with life's daily routine and I stress and I get distracted. She is just so affirming and accepting. And encouraging! No wonder we love our dogs as much as we do. They make it so easy!
I feel so blessed to have my dog in my daily life. She grounds me and connects me to who I am on the inside. She understands that I love her and want her to have the best dog life possible and she thanks me with her calming gentle demeanor.
What do you love about your dog?