[Sole Inspiration] My Puppy! (Okay, he's already a dog, but he will always be my little puppy)

Hi there!

What a joy it is to have a day of rest! If you are anything like me, your week is full of motion; running around doing something.

Sometimes I look at my 4-year-old Chocolate Labrador, Kona, and envy his life. Eat, sleep, play, rest, repeat...but there is so much more my precious puppy teaches me.

My eldest daughter once again read this article to me and it actually made me tear up. Because no matter how busy or hectic our life is, we need to just stop and rest in the wonder of each moment.

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker.  The owners and their little boy Shane, were very attached to their dog who was dying of cancer, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure in their home.  As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe the procedure, as they felt he might learn something from the experience.

For the procedure the next day, six-year-old Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time.  I wondered if Shane understood what was going on; then within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.  Shane seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We all sat together after, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.  Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him and what came out of his mouth next stunned me.  I'd never heard a more comforting explanation and it has changed the way I try and live.

Shane said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air & the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• Take naps.
• Stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Thrive on attention & let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around & wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
• ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

Excerpted and paraphrased from Upgrade Reality.  For complete post, click here.

Top:  Sleeping/Resting while at Dillon Beach, CA., Left: Waiting for Sissy, Right: Playing in the American River.

My Puppy Boy & I!

Have a wonderful weekend, enjoying each moment to the fullest! I hope that this simple story touched you as it did me and inspires you to just live!  What can you do to just pause, rest in the moment, and just enjoy & appreciate life?  Leave any comments or suggestions and come visit again. Thank you for being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl


P.S.   A special thank you to all who have been reading and visiting my blog.  ShoeAxis has reached over 1,000 page views in just 3 weeks (I think that's good!).  Feel free to share any of my links that inspire you and please let me know what you like, what you don't like, and any suggestions to make this an even better experience. Thanks again!