Day 448

This little boy is such a gift to us. Even though he still displays bouts of "The Zoomies," we adore him. Every night, he runs up to his kennel in our bedroom and stands at the entrance until we open the door. His first goal is to find Snugs (Snuggle Puppy) and cuddle up for a much-needed sleep. Sam is energy personified and needs to recharge nightly!

Sammy is our first Golden to actually choose a beloved stuffy. From the very first night, Snugs was his comfort and security. Coming from a litter of real, live Snuggle Puppies, it must have been wonderful to cozy up to a stuffy with a beating heart. One year later and he still loves that bedraggled, somewhat-fluffy Snugs.

There are a few objects in my own life that bring me comfort...

*Jewelry: rings from loved ones (My wedding ring is at the top of that list.) and ESPECIALLY gifts from Mac

*My own stuffy named Brownie who has been with me since my 2nd birthday. My mom would spray her perfume on his head (Tigress) and that would keep her close.

*An I.D. bracelet given to my dad during WWll...a gift from my mom with the inscription "Love, Bobs 1943" on the back

*Mementos of my dogs, pasts and present, that hold a place of honor in the front hall

*My home, where three generations have lived and breathed

*My Box of Memories filled with cards, pictures, letters and other keepsakes of love from friends and family

*My dad's big chair where I can sit and feel his love.

This list could go on for a bit, but a realization suddenly dawned on me as I searched my heart for "things" that brought comfort. In the end, it is not "things" at all, but the loved ones who are brought close when I encounter or experience them. Coming into contact with any of these treasures is only as meaningful as the memories they hold.

Even though Sammy loves his Snugs, I know he would give it up in a heartbeat to go for a walk with me! It is the experience of love and compassion that draws me to keep my cherished objects close at hand. It is the loved ones and memories, hidden in these items that are the true treasures.