DOGS, NOT DIAMONDS!

 Regular readers will know that I am a big dog lover.  Last week I wrote about the delights of walking by my local rivers with our two rescue dogs, and how we should let energy flow through our bodies like the rivers flow through the countryside.  After writing that article, I began to think about how not just rivers but also dogs have so many lessons to teach us.

When I get home from work, my two dogs Sunny and Sylvie don’t greet me with complaints about how tired they are, or how difficult their homework is, or how bad the weather is.  They are simply overjoyed to welcome me home.  Think about it when you get home next, or when you are welcoming a loved one home: do you bound to the door with delight, or do you growl and complain about your day?  Which welcome would you rather receive?

Our dogs also enjoy the simple things in life.  Sometimes, when she is out walking (or more accurately, running!), Sunny will just take a huge jump for joy: she is totally alive, living for the moment, and enjoying herself.  She is not thinking about all the complications in her life: she is just running free and revelling in the world around her.  When was the last time you did that?

The only thing Sunny and Sylvie love more than their walks is their “rubadubs.”  They are both very affectionate dogs, and everyone in our family regularly strokes and pets them.  The dogs appreciate the attention, and it’s really relaxing and rewarding for the person doing the stroking … so maybe we should show the same amount of affection and care to the loved ones around us!

Dogs never judge us.  They love us unconditionally and don’t bear grudges.  We can talk to them and they will listen to our problems without answering back.  They do not expect too much – just feeding, walking and stroking - and they greatly appreciate everything that we do for them.  Above all, they are loyal and love us for who we are.  You know, I think Marilyn Monroe was wrong.  Diamonds are not a girl’s best friend – dogs are!