What does a puppy have to do with spiritual development?
Do you drink water when you are thirsty, eat when you are truly hungry, sleep when you are tired, cuddle because you love to be loved, and play just for fun? Henry the Poozu does!
Seeing this being enjoying life to the fullest has reminded me again of how I would like to approach life each day. As I recently had another birthday, which leads to too much deep thinking, I am assessing how I am doing with appreciation for the simple things.
I like to watch this ball of fur discover things, roll around on his bed after eating a big meal, or feel joy at being cuddled reminded me to seek simple pleasures. I wasn’t sure if I would ever have another pet after taking several (cats and dogs) into their last geriatric days. It wasn’t easy! He keeps me busy. He is good company. I am fully committed now.
I got this puppy since my spouse travels some for work. I wanted a little more company in the house for this reason. We named him Henry because he is rather serious and looks like an old man in the face. Sometimes he just sits and stares at me with his old man face, and I wonder if he’s doing a reading on me.
He looks like a dog that just rolled in the dust bin, and with the addition of the rain this morning he has started to get that curly poodle fur appearance. I brush him and touch his feet a lot so that he can be nail trimmed and groomed easily by others.
We have proof that he isn’t dumb. I hung up doggy bells on both doors and 90% of the time he rings them to go out to do his business.
We are meeting with a dog trainer soon. I’m not sure that his toe licking habit (our toes) can be trained out of him, but maybe….
Blessings for all of the creatures on this earth. Blessings for our ability to remain in the moment and to remember that the simplest things we do is a connection to Spirit.
Copyright Rebecca Mitchell-Guthrie. Do not print for publication without permission.