It’s so easy to see God/Spirit/Source in nature and our animal friends. Not always so easy to see it in ourselves. We can get so caught up in our minds instead of living from our hearts and in our body.
But there are beautiful moments when I’m reminded once again that I too am a part of God/Spirit/Source.
Especially afternoons when the sun is streaming in through the kitchen window. I feel like I catch a glimpse of this essence we can’t see, but can feel if we really tune in.
And I really feel it in moments like this when I see Gidget in the rays of the sunshine as if lit from the inside, out.
It brings me right back to the center of how one should really live in order to experience pure joy. It’s an inside job that will reflect on the outside when we are living from our true essence. Animals live this in every waking moment.
Yesterday I had an amazing experience of working with the spirit of horse at my friend Pam’s horse farm. I’m still simmering in all the gifts of that time before I write about it.
My favorite time of the day is one-on-one time with Miss Gidget which happens most days shortly after she eats dinner at 4pm.
Yesterday as she lay on her back on the sofa and I gave her belly rubs, as often happens, I felt a huge wave of love wash over my heart.
It’s one of the best feelings in the world.
And I thought about how rough the road was when I first got her two and a half years ago trying to understand some misinformation I was given that she was in need of a pacemaker.
After a visit to the UW of Madison Vet teaching school and an expensive bill I was relieved to find out her heart was perfectly fine.
And just when life seemed to settle into place her seizures began. That was definitely a test of my will and understanding. I honestly thought I’d lose it during that year of trying to figure out why she was having them, and how to best help her.
We are approaching 150 days of no seizures and play time yesterday with her had me thinking about what is sometimes called the “sweet spot” in life. Those stretches of time when life feels incredibly good and you hope it will last forever.
While dogs don’t typically know when they are seizing, and it is harder on the people in their lives, I certainly hope she never has another one.
But as hard as it was, I learned a lot from the experience. It was a time of standing more into the truth of things that I believe in regarding holistic care and speaking up for what I felt was best for her.
It was also a time that I believe Gidget was a reflection for me. She had me looking at a part of my soul that I’d been trying to push away for a very long time.
The sweet moments with Gidget have me reflecting on how precious these times with her truly are when all is well– and how they become so much more dear because of the tough times.
A reminder to take nothing or any day for granted. To live even more in awareness of how little time we really do have here.
Each and every dog in my life have brought gifts I don’t believe I would have experienced otherwise. And it continues to inspire me that I learn so much about life through the eyes of my dogs. Their lessons somehow find a way into my heart that stick and change me for the better.
Off to the vet Miss Gidget and I went very early this morning. After an exam this week, a dental cleaning was definitely in order.
Some doxie’s are just prone to bad teeth as is the case for Gidget. Fifteen had to be pulled last year and now she has six less today.
But she is doing well in recovery from the phone call I got from the vet tech, Nicole. Though from Nicole’s description it sounds like Gidget was giving her the stink eye. Can’t say as I blame her.
I’m off to the cardiology department at the clinic early this afternoon for my stress test, which I’m feeling confident will go well.
But I’ll be happy when that is done so I can pick up little G afterwards. I’m looking forward to lots of cuddle time with her.
The simple pleasures of life always seem to come sharper into view when things feel a bit off balance.
And soon enough “The Queen,” as I sometimes call Gidget, will be overlooking the writing cottage again, sitting atop her bed resting on the wicker chair. Someone’s gotta keep an eye on me you know!
