Dog Blog

Wake Up Like a Dog
Do I have any dog lovers out there?  You can count me as one.  Dogs are delightful and provide so much enrichment to our lives.  I have 2… Buster is a 17-year-old Shih-Tzu and Ivy is a 5-year-old Border Collie / Lab Mix.
This morning at 5:50am I heard Buster’s familiar scratch on the door that initiates the countdown to pee on my carpet.  I rolled out of bed to the bang, bang, bang of Ivy’s tail clanging on her kennel.  I gathered my robe, (no time for socks… the countdown is very short), let Ivy out and we made the processional toward the back door.  Despite this being a daily ritual, I took particular notice of how exuberant Ivy is when she wakes up.  It’s on my radar every day because she gets a little dangerous when excited, in that she has long claws and hasn’t quite learned to control herself.  But it hit me today that she is fully refreshed and excited to start the day.  She is eager to share love and joy form the moment her eyes open.  There’s no complaining that she wasn’t ready to get up, or that she didn’t sleep well, or the temperature of the room was off.  No, she starts with a clean slate and is joyful and full of love to share.
I think I noticed this today because this is a lesson I need to learn.  You know that old saying, “when the student is ready, the teacher will come.”?  I think I’m ready to learn that kind of happiness.  That way of looking at each new day as an opportunity to spread love and joy with forgiveness in my heart.
There’s no baggage holding her back.  She perceives the world as a happy place,  where she is safe to be herself.  All her needs are met and her sole job is to love and serve others.  What an inspiration!!  To think, that it’s been happening right under my nose (or feet in this case) for years and I never took note of it. 
I encourage you to look at your surroundings.  What or who can spark inspiration to teach you today?  Should I start a Dog Blog to keep track of these lessons?  If you have any insights from your Canine companions, please reach out and share.

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