priorities and life...

many are the times when I am caught up in the priorities of life. taxes,
health care, marriage, relationships, house problems, activities,
interests, finances, eternity, the reason why i exist... these all
sometimes overwhelm my soul....

and then... and then... i feel the gentle touch of two paws on my leg
and i look down to see a puppy with a rubber squeak toy in her mouth,
inviting me to play. sometimes i let myself become annoyed, but i always
know that she is correct in her assessment of life's priorities. we are
here to be with each other. she sees life as a simple structure of
interacting with each other and she seeks some time each day with dalin
and also with me. dalin advises me to be sensitive and accessible, but
i'm sometimes grumpy.

and i leave whatever i am doing, sit cross-legged on the carpet and toss
the squeak toy to the puppy and she returns it. and we relax together and
i find that my stress is gone. and when i'm lucky, she smothers my face
in kisses. life is here and now. not tomorrow. and she jumps and dances
and tells me that what i am doing is important. i learn a lot from this
puppy of 8 months of age... :)

and... sometimes it hurts. sometimes i feel stressed, yet sit to play
with her anyway. and she senses it... and she picks up her toys, looks at
me, and then leaves the room. to have the puppy tell me that she doesn't
want to play with me because i'm not willing to give fully the time is
hurtful - and i continue to learn... maybe someday i'll know as much as
she does... and, then again, maybe not.... :)

Jean B....

Aw, David........ That sure is a sweet post, and it contains
so much truth. I, too, need to learn such a lesson. We
humans think we are just so darned smart, but the little
critters really cut to the chase and focus on what's important
in life.

It's really interesting that Shadow senses when your heart
isn't in it. Do you ever start out sort-of reluctantly and
then find yourself mellowing? That would be nice....

Does Shadow snuggle in your arms, or is she too squiggly? I
find such things very comforting....

nospam...

Ain't nuthin' like the REAL THING, BABY -- as the commercial goes!!

david...

yes, sometimes, especially when i have no urgent tasks on my mind. playing
with her can be stress relieving -- but sometimes it goes the other way...

snuggle? not really. when we have returned from an outing she snuggles a
bit, but not in our arms. in our arms, she usually likes to sleep... :)

Sue...

Beautiful post, david.

mj...

Sleeping is snuggling. She feels comfy and safe in your arms. What better
compliment to a human could there be!

david...

no argument from me, MJ. holding a sleeping puppy is a rewarding and
stress-free experience. :)

NOspam...

I Agree--- holding any sleeping pet is (to me) a very comforting thing
for both pet and person! :O)

NHunkele...

A beautiful narrative.
If we could only learn to pay attention, our furry friends could teach
us so much about love and the enjoyment of life.
Norma

sue

Annie...

So enjoyed your post David, felt I was right there petting the pup...they
sure have their ways of knowing how we're feeling..
Annie

Pets have such a wonderful way of educating us, David, I fully
agree!!!! :o)
God bless them.