Day 285

2/25/23

Routines and rituals are certainly part of our Goldens' lives!

Take the morning, for example. Every morning, we begin by:

*Humans "jump" out of bed.

*Mac gets ready while Ranger jumps up on the bed for his belly rub.

*Sammy comes out of his kennel, joins Ranger on the bed and it's a "belly rub for two".

*Mac heads down with our youngest and oldest while Lilly gets some love and attention. The Queen waits on her cushy bed for the minions to come to her!

*Gus comes out of his kennel, stretches and jumps up on the bed. His turn for belly rubs.

*Mama, Gus and Lilly head downstairs.

*Eat, morning constitutional outside and then peanut butter-filled bones for the teeth.

*Cheerios to top off the morning ritual.

By this time, we have only been up for about 30 minutes, but we can't miss a step. They let us know!

Routines and rituals certainly play a part in all of our lives. For the most part, they allow us to be effective and help us to remember the little things that are so important in day-to-day living. I sometimes wonder if I take the exact same steps every morning as I get ready for the day...probably.

Every once in a while, I make a conscious decision to break out of the routine. Of course, traveling allows for that and surprises during the day occur, but not a planned break from the "Google Map" of our lives.

Sometimes, I will walk the dogs on a different route. Other times, I will make a call to someone who is not in my "top 10" list of people in my "recents" phone list. I have even been known to drive home from the store down different streets just to see something new.

The continuum of daily rituals can be minute or immense. It just seems like a good idea to shake things up now and then. It is good for the mind and soul!

Well, Ranger's "Tummy Alarm" has gone off as it is now 2:30 and it's 10 minutes past his lunch! I know my part in this routine and I don't mind at all. However, perhaps I will throw in a chunk of chicken in each bowl as a surprise!