Best Friends

A walk in the neighborhood may seem like an ordinary thing;  however, to a dog, a walk is an extraordinary affair, an occasion for bliss.  We can learn so much from our pets. They teach us to live in the moment and celebrate life as it is happening.

I was not in the mood for a walk today. For one thing, the sky is overcast, and although it is not raining, rain is imminent this evening. Also, I hurt my hip yesterday when I was moving furniture around in the living room. Clearly, I could skip the walk! But, my furry friend was not interested in skipping our daily jaunt. Instead, she made every effort to entice me out the door; this dog throws herself at my feet again and again until I find the leash.

A dog knows there is adventure out in the big, wide world. Even before I can get my shoes on, the dog’s tail is wagging. She cannot wait to get out and explore.

As soon as I step outside, I am grateful that I did.  The dog’s enthusiasm wins me over; we are bounding along in no time, Bella making her way to the street.

What is about these autumn days that are so tantalizing to the senses? The pure freshness makes you stop and notice everything around you. You take a deep breath, and the heady smell of pine punctuates the crisp air.

Last night’s rain left a shimmer on the leaves that is mesmerizing to behold. The colors seem to blur in pools of gold, orange, and red, wherever we step on the road.

We live in a magical world full of magical things. We just don’t always notice because we are too busy. Thank God for our pets who remind us to savor the everyday bliss that surrounds us.

If I did not walk the dog today, I would have missed so much. I would have missed an up-close look at the roses still blooming beautifully in Virginia on this November day. I would have missed the puddle reflecting the sky and a host of trees. I would have missed seeing so many of my neighbors out and about early in the morning.

Mostly, I would have missed the time to reflect and ponder the blessing of a brand-new day, a day more full of clouds than sun, and yet absolutely perfect. Thanks to my canine friend, I did not have to miss anything!