This Dog's Life
Life's not all about running and barking, digging or chasing butterflies, you know.Sometimes, a dog needs to stop and feel the warm morning sun on his ears; hear the whirr of crickets and not look for them, and just let the moles churn unbothered under his paws.
Sometimes a dog needs to slow down, close his eyes and savor the moment beneath the bright sky with his master when times are good. (I've seen Master do this a hundred times in my one year here--in every season. Until today, I'd never taken the time to do this myself. When HE is not looking, I'll do it again, and often. The years will pass quickly enough in a dog's life. A moment now and then to pause and be thankful may help me not take all of this for granted--or so I've heard HIM say.)
We won't be here forever, from what I hear. I don't know where, but one day we all go away to some other land and never come back. Buster--the dog before me--left suddenly. (They often compare me with him when they think I can't hear them talking--and of course, I can.)
If he had known that he would be taken so quickly from this place, I think he would have paused here in this sunny, green pasture beside the creek for a quiet time like I did this morning. He would have said thanks for what a lucky dog he was.
--Tsuga
Comments
Tsuga -
Young sir - I am so happy that you've found your voice - it is quite eloquent. You are blessed to have such a pasture to enjoy the sun upon your ears and the sound of the crickets and the creek. I send you a pat on the head and a rub of the neck. And hugs from PA
Posted by: connie | September 27, 2004 6:38 AM
Dear Tsuga "The Dog"-
So glad you are learning what to do to make your Master smile. He wrote down your doggie breath and made this human beam a great big smile. The sun must have tickled you both. You may have started a ripple effect.
Sign me a remembering Dog Lover
PS... Tell your Pal that this was a very clever and most charming Post.
Posted by: Sallie | September 27, 2004 7:40 AM
Dear Tsuga,
I am not a "dog person," but I still would love to give you a great big hug and a good tummy scratch (or behind the ears, if you prefer).
Posted by: Jane | September 27, 2004 2:02 PM
What a wise dog he is ... lessons we can all learn from. Not to mention, very handsome as well.
Posted by: Wendy | September 27, 2004 10:28 PM
What a wise dog he is ... lessons we can all learn from. Not to mention, very handsome as well.
Posted by: Wendy | September 27, 2004 10:31 PM
Made me smile. And think. I liked this very much.
Casey, who turned 13 two days ago, thanks you for writing it.
Posted by: Trey | September 28, 2004 7:01 AM
I think Tsuga knows how lucky he is to have a wonderful friend and master in Fred........
Posted by: Dottie | September 28, 2004 8:58 PM
Dear Tsuga,
I gave a nice ear scratch to the black lab across across the street and told her that she was receiving it due to you.
Posted by: Jane | September 29, 2004 11:31 AM
Tsuga - you are a wise dog that truly knows how to live life! Perhaps today, I will take time to do the same!
Posted by: Anne | September 29, 2004 1:25 PM
How odd that this was the entry on Monday of all days. I lost my 15 year old Misty girl on this day. As with Buster, she's gone "away to some other land". I hope that wherever she is she has the sun on her face and her nose lifted to the breezes, healthy again and with a good set of hips. Give that boy an extra hug and kiss for me. He's helping mend a broken heart.
Posted by: Amy | September 30, 2004 2:11 PM
Oh Fred I cant bear the thought that Jay and Mildred's lives are so short
Posted by: Robert Paterson | October 1, 2004 6:46 AM