Day 99

8/21/22

Anticipation can be such a joy for humans. It can also be anxiety-producing! For dogs, it is short-lived and intense.

I realized this before our morning walk today. I asked the pups, "Who wants to go on a walk?". Tails began to wag frantically, panting insued and they jockeyed for position. They live in the moment. Their happiness was evident throughout the day.

I kept track of their glee today and noted the following joy-filled reactions to:

"Who wants to go outside?"

"Who wants a treat?"

"Who's a good baby?"

"Who wants to eat?"

"Come here for some love!"

"Who's a good dog?"

The list could go on and on! These sweet souls feel anticipation quickly, sincerely and intensely.

Humans, on the other hand or paw, anticipate events for hours, days, months and even years. Often, we worry about an anticipated event that is concerning. Other times, we are disappointed by something we anticipate when it gets cancelled. All seems a waste of time.

After watching my Goldens today, I am going to try to let myself joyfully anticipate the moment at hand. Finding happiness as it unfolds, instead of waiting and anticipating for the future, is my new goal. If I forget, and start to anticipate something that may or may not happen down the road, I only need to say, "Who's a good puppy?" and my Goldens will remind me with their tails in full wag!