Dog Love

Hello Friends,

I'm writing this in St. Petersburg, Florida. My sister invited me to go with her and Joey, the new love of her life. She told me that this trip is going to be all about ' the dog.' Yes. Joey, named for the joy and contentment he brings her, is a small, white, cheerful four-year old Bichon. For the past week we've been walking with Joey on soft white sand beaches, past marinas with pelicans perched on weathered wooden dock pilings and under pale pink sunset skies. I've been a dog lover for years. Knowing that my sister is having this wonderous relationship with Joey, the first time in decades since having a dog when we were just kids, touches my heart and brings me joy.

During the first months of the COVID pandemic Lyn, my sister, told me that she was obsessed with researching dog breeds on the internet. "Just looking at the pictures of dogs was comforting," she said. She envisioned what it would be like having a dog even though she had fearful thoughts about her being able and ready to take care of one. Yet, an undeniably hopeful feeling swelled in her heart and she pursued her dream. When she made the decision to bring Joey home he was in need of a major surgery to remove a bladder stone. She took a risk with Joey nursing him back to health. Today eight months later he is a healthy, vibrant pup. She saved his life and he saved hers. With tears in her eyes she explained, "I had no idea how much having this dog would change my life." I'm sure that those of you have experienced the love of a dog can easily relate.

I believe that dogs come into our lives as special teachers. I asked Lyn what insights she is having about her life from knowing Joey.

"At 7:30 a.m. Joey and I are outside no matter the weather. Something has happened that I never could have imagined. I leave the comforts of my warm house because he needs me to take care of him. It's not about me. I feel like I'm in tune with another's needs. When that first waft of cold, crisp air hits my face, I look up to the sky and thank God. What I'm discovering is being outside with Joey is giving me more appreciation for nature and with that feeling comes more inner peace. I'm also connecting to people, the dog owner's community. I don't feel as lonely in my heart with Joey by my side. Joey is devoted to me. It feels complete not like with a person, though. The love that a dog gives has no strings attached. That's the nature of dogs. The unconditional love a dog gives inspires me to want to do the same for the people in my life. It is possible."

As for me, knowing Joey has brought me closer to my sister, Lyn. We share a common bond that we didn't have in our relationship. Now we do. Without words we communicate this knowing with expressive eyes, wagging tails and trotting together down the next, new sidewalk.