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Ever find yourself fighting an epic battle between your heart and head? This happened to me this week when I “accidentally strolled” into our local animal shelter. Yes, I’m thinking of adopting another dog. And yes, I just went through the sad saga of “putting down” my sweet, old canine Simon. And yes, dogs can be pains. But as time goes by, I’ve also realized they improve life in 6 vital ways…

Dogs are crazy – Okay, in his itinerant youth it wasn’t funny when Simon escaped through some unlatched door. An hour later he’d slink back covered in rancid-smelling muck from the neighborhood pond. We’d all have to stop what we were doing and hose him down.

Yet… it was kind of funny. We’d towel him off (outside) and then he’d give one of his epic dry-off shakes that felt like a tsunami and got everyone soaked. Think it’s impossible to laugh and grimace at the same time? Try living with a dog.

Dogs don’t sweat the small stuff – And basically everything is small stuff with dogs. Ever see pictures of canines sleeping with other creatures on top of them? Kids, puppies, cats, parakeets, toys, gerbils, it doesn’t matter. They take things as they come. They’re chill.

Simon accepted life in a way that would rouse the late spiritualist Wayne Dyer to jealousy. You know dogs aren’t rehashing litter issues or scheming how to get their favorite chew toy next week. They’re focused on now. How nice to have a family member so easy-going, so in the moment, so Zen.

Dogs love life — They take pleasure where they can. And yes, this can lead to ahem, “non-discreet” behavior. But no one does uninhibited like a dog. There’s a nice spot of sun? Simon would happily lie there. It didn’t matter if it was in the middle of a crowded living room.

When dogs are thirsty, they drink. When they’re hungry, they eat. When they need to chase the cat, they go for it. Taking a walk or car ride?  They’re mad with joy. Who can resist such joie de vivre?

Dogs are loyal – Simon followed me everywhere, including sometimes the bathroom. And I still find myself expecting him to come galloping toward me when I come home, all tail wags and smiles. He’d trot from room to room, always on my heels. He’d lie in the dining room, angled in such a way he could watch me putter around the kitchen. It made me feel important, like I had an entourage. I miss that.

Sadly, as he grew older, he still followed me. “Simon, at ease,” I’d tell him as he struggled to keep up with arthritic joints. But he wasn’t having it. Simon never shirked his duty to stay close, to defend and protect. He was steadfast till his last breath.

Dogs forgive — Once I accidentally left Simon outside on a cold, rainy day. I hurried to bring him in, wiping off his soaked fur with a towel. All I could do was murmur, “I’m sorry,” as I touched my face to his neck. His response? He licked my hand. He was over it.

Dogs take nothing personally. Someone’s in a bad mood and snaps at them? No problem. Next time all is forgotten. They forgive and move on. Who can resist such Gandhi-like restraint?

Dogs teach us grace – At the end of his life, Simon seemed to understand his time had come. By now he was old with a gray muzzle. He was in constant pain from bad joints. He could barely see or hear.  At the last vet visit, he took his final moments with dignity as my son Patrick and I told him how much we loved him. And before passing, he even gave one last smile as if to say it was okay. He was ready.

Can you blame me for missing such a great friend and companion? Yes, my house is cleaner. It’s nice not worrying about him running away or planning a vacation without boarding a dog.

Still…

Famous heart surgeon, Bernie Siegel once said, “Want to learn to love? Get a dog.” I’d take that one step farther. Want to learn to live? Want to learn to approach each day with love, joy and compassion? Want to enjoy each moment, feel deeply, and always get up on the right side of the bed?

You got it.

Oh dear. I may be visiting another shelter soon. My heart seems to be winning.

 

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Comments(24)

  1. I was just telling Gerald the other day that once our Bama girl kicks the bucket, I’m thinking I may not want to get another dog. All those things you listed + super stinky dog smell. But then you listed all the great positives that are sometimes easy to forget or you come to take them for granted, and now I’m torn! I’m not sure how I’ll feel the day our house becomes dogless. Makes me sad just thinking about it. And I think you’ve already got your answer, Laurie. Please post a picture of your new addition soon. 🙂

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Karen, You got it. Whenever the new member of our family shows up, the blog community will be first to know!

  2. I believe when the heart speaks we must listen. I have never had a dog, but knowing the amount of love and joy my cats have brought me I feel that a home must be shared with an animal. As you said so well above, animals are the greatest teachers of love, forgiveness and grace.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      So true, Karen. I think they have much to teach us.

    • Ellen

    • 8 years ago

    Beautifully put Laurie
    I think you can guess my response to the question of getting another dog or, putting it a different way, giving another dog a home and family of its own ❤️

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Ellen, I think of you every time I walk into an animal shelter. What wonderful work you’re doing. I’m not sure I have your courage to live with it everyday, but I figure the next best thing is giving some little dog a good home.

  3. I love my two little dogs and can’t imagine life without having a dog in the house even though it would be easier when we travel. Dogs are natural comedians, cuddlers and best friends. It always amazes me when certain people easily give them away when they get bored of them. You can never feel bad when you have a dog licking your face with pure unconditional love. They’re the best.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      I agree, Rebecca. Dogs are the best. I’d love a cuddly little one and that’s what I’m looking for. Its hard to go through the pounds but I’d rather have a rescue. There’s so much need.

  4. Lovely post , never a day without my doggy . Hope you don’t mind me sharing this 😊

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Klaudia, Thanks so much for sharing and reading.

  5. Get another dog! I will have one until the day I die! What’s not to love?

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Laura, Guess what my next post is about? Got one! Thanks for reading.

  6. i don’t need to be convinced, but great post! yes, my latest rescue girl (who’s name is grace) rescued me to be sure.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Love the name Grace. Perfect name for a dog. Thanks for reading, Meg.

  7. I’ve said that dogs are love covered in fur. So sorry you lost your Simon. Like you I “accidentally” go to the shelter. I have one dog but am threatening to get a few more. They do teach us grace!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Rosemond, I love that! Dogs are loved covered in fur. It makes them even more cuddly. Thank you for reading.

  8. We have 3 cats and I beg my husband every day for a dog. I think something must’ve happened to him in childhood cause he’s so uneasy with them. I’m DYING to have a dog!!! Argh Anyway, great, wonderful post.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 8 years ago

      Thanks so much, Cathy. Yes, sigh, some people aren’t dog people… and that’s okay. Of course, I find most of them have never lived with a dog. You never know. Maybe your husband will give it a try someday! Thanks for reading.

  9. These are reasons I like dogs more than people!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Michele, The relationships are certainly less complicated!

  10. ha ha ha a friend just shared a picture of an adorable Catahoula puppy that she describes as “a total wigglebutt” on my FB page. He’s at a rescue in her borough. Really made me wish TQ and I were in a situation where we could have a pup but for starters he’s moved in with me now and my building doesn’t allow dogs. Plus we both work kind of weird hours and just wouldn’t be able to care for a dog the way we would want to (especially Catahoulas, TQ used to have a pair of those, they were wonderful dogs but very high-energy, hard keeping a dog like that cooped up in a city apartment). Maybe someday though. Sigh.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Bonnie, I think you’re making the right decision. Dogs need lots of attention and exercise. As you said, though, maybe someday…

  11. Ohmyword, sitting here blinking the tears out of my eyes. And knowing, even as I read that you did find your little bundle of Libby de Vivre!
    Dogs are special. (I say with Pandy laying behind me wondering when it’s time for her second walk of the day!)

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Diane, Libby keeps me on track with my schedule — including our walk!

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