Day 238

1/8/23

This afternoon, I sat down for a moment and the pack assembled quickly. Ranger jumped up on the couch and immediately rolled onto his back. Lilly hopped up on the other couch for a good view of her beloved Dog TV! Gus took up residence on my feet and Sammy was already taking a nap in his kennel. I could feel the Golden love!

Their devotion stems, in part, from the fact that I walk them, often disperse the meals/water, groom them and scratch those backs. Along with a few other duties, they really want for nothing. However, I know their connections to me are more than simply needing a caretaker. When I look into their eyes, I also realize that their bond includes pure love...without any ulterior motives, expectations or selfishness.

Smiling at the array of Goldens, I felt that love. I then let my mind wander (as it often does) and knew this connection was a two-way street. They provide me with love, comfort and protection (Some people have RING, we have BARK), but they offer so much more.

Without my Goldens, my life would have been so very different. There would have been no Therapy Dog visits, I wouldn't be walking over 10,000 steps a day and there would be no Teddy Bear Chronicle books! I am sure I would have chosen other ways to serve, but the Goldens have led me down an amazing path.

There would also be no:

harmonica music from Don.
texts to Lilly and Ranger from Sonny.
smiles from staff at Mercy Hospital.
children snuggling with a big dog while reading.
correspondence between Gus and his girlfriend from Colorado (Aubry the Golden)
people stopping me on walks to visit
documentaries or cooking shows
Walking With Goldens

...and the list goes on and on!

I am so very fortunate to have these pups in my life. Their trust, love and ability to touch lives humbles me right down to my core.

I think I will go downstairs and gather the pack for a Hallmark movie. I know they will all come running!