As I was trying to do this, my dogs thought it a wonderful time to come and show me some love. I have two beautiful, affectionate, King Charles Cavalier Spaniels that love to make themselves at home in my lap. Of course, I was thinking, I couldn't spend the time or energy on the dogs at that moment. So, I put them down. Well, they gave me a curious look, and decided that I must have lost my mind, jumping back on my lap again. So we played this game for several minutes, and I realized that I was losing the battle, and so, they won. "Have at it boys, I am all yours!"
As I began trying to settle back into my contemplations, I began stroking the dogs lightly, and as usual, they loved it. At that moment I had a revelation, dogs are pretty smart. Though many think they aren't, they really are. So often in life when things get tough, we quit. We quit emotionally, physically and become depressed about the situation. As I watched my dogs reaping the benefits of being fully committed to having my lap, I realized that through constant perseverance, we win. Even if it isn't at that moment, ultimately, we win. I also realized that they were 100% committed to getting what they want. What a concept. So I sat there scratching and petting my puppies, smiling, and admiring the wonder with which we are created, and the simplicity of it all.
Later that evening, I was totally into a college football game on TV, when the dogs again harkened me from my pleasure. More like "barkened" me to action. Yes, it was 10:00 pm, and they were ready to go out for the last time to do their business. However, I wasn't ready. Absolutely not! The football teams were battling in the red zone, and I needed to watch what happened next. It was a pivotal point in the game. Bark, bark, bark, with a look between frustration and anticipation. "Not yet dogs, I'm not ready." Bark, bark, bark, with even more gusto. Now when I looked at them, their tails wagged even more, and they assumed a crouched position, as if ready to pounce. I could see there was no wait for them, so out they went.
A short time later, there came a knocking on the back door. Yes it was the dogs again. You see, they figured out that by hitting the dog door, it bangs up against the back door, and they end up knocking at the door letting me know they are ready to come in. How convenient, for them. Again, I was summoned away from the game for my dogs. Did I tell you my dogs are smarted than the average canine? They aren't, but maybe more persistent. So in they come, full of excitement, happy to see me. What a greeting! After a round of petting and treats, they went to their beds, and promptly went to sleep. Again, as I stared at the dogs realizing just how smart they were.
So I am sitting there having learned several things from my dogs. Persistence pays off. Always be excited to greet someone, and be willing to show your love with enthusiasm. How often do we take our loved ones for granted? When was there a time that you met a stranger, and could have brightened their day with a wonderful, heartfelt smile? What a lesson.
Finally, I am watching them get a full nights sleep to be ready to go the next day, while I was staying up late. I know that I pay a price the next day not getting adequate sleep. It would affect my mood, relationships and the overall outcome. How stupid, selfish and ridiculous. Enough I thought, turning off the TV and heading to bed.
Thank God for our pets. They are amazing and can teach us so much. A wonderful patient of mine, Michelle N. showed me a wonderful bookmark that said, "To err is human, to forgive is canine". What would our world be like if we could forgive and forget, and shower love on all those that we meet?
I hope you spend some time thinking about ways to enhance your life. Remember to follow through with your commitments, especially in regards to your health. After all, it is a precious commodity, that when lost, is extremely difficult to return.Have a wonderful, prosperous and happy New Year.
-Dr. Clare
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