Day 340

4/21/23

Sharing is never an easy choice...whether you are walking on two legs or four! My Goldens never choose to share, but it sometimes seems like they are playing a game of keep-away with the desired object of the moment!

1. Lilly will be chewing a bone and decides to get a drink of water.

2. Sam rushes in to grab the bone before her return.

3. Gus comes over to wrestle the bone away from his little brother.

4. The boys forget about the bone and rough-house with each other.

5. Ranger sneaks in, picks up the desirable bone and begins to chew.

6. Lilly returns, gives Ranger the Alpha Eye and he allows her to take it from him.

REPEAT!

Most very young children tend to have issues with sharing. They lack any sense of empathy and compassion at a toddler stage. In my observations of children (my own and others) I realize the act of sharing does not follow an age timeline, but a heart timeline. I have literally seen first graders, and those younger, who have taken a speed course in empathy and display the sharing component before most all of their classmates. It is a humbling experience when you witness a six-year-old try to share their cold lunch with a friend who might have forgotten (or couldn't afford) to bring one. Typically the recipient, who has not had a break-through moment of empathy, takes the offered food and simply eats away.

Sharing can take on many forms. One can share food, possessions, ideas, love and a variety of other offerings. It strikes me that food is easily shared...if you have enough. Possessions are also quickly offered...if you have enough. Love, on the other hand, is different.

Sharing your heart with someone doesn't cost a dime. It is an infinite commodity. The love you share is free of charge, but we all seem to have limitations, stipulations and trepidations when it comes to sharing our hearts. Looking back on possessions, ideas and food, people seem to check their reserves and offer what they have in excess.

Now love, and the sharing of that precious emotion, is a bit more complicated. We humans have more love than we can ever share in a lifetime. However, sharing love comes with a price tag. At the "Sharing Checkout Counter," you would probably have to sign a waiver pertaining to "being hurt," not getting the return love to fill in the void, and possible future loss of love. All things to ponder before signing that document.

Goldens don't really have possessions, food choices or ideas. What they do offer is their love. This love is unconditional. The way they choose to love their humans is a beautiful thing. They don't expect payment, they don't barter and they don't limit that love. Once again, if we love like Goldens (or any dog in your life), we can't really go wrong. There may be loss, frustration and pain, but loving is never a bad choice. Just ask my Goldens!