Friday, October 12, 2012

A Walk With My Dog

A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk.  ~O.A. Battista



I have a dog. Her name is Dominoe. She is happy, smart and very friendly. She likes a good walk.
I too like a good walk, especially under clear blue summer skies. When the fall and winter roll into town I hibernate. I burrow deep into my home, refusing to come out unless there is a promise of hot chocolate and a roaring fire in the fireplace. Since Dominoe joined our family a couple of years ago I have changed my mind about getting outside in the colder seasons. I do not relish the prospect of frozen fingertips and a cold settling into my nose but Dominoe insists we go. I love her so much that I oblige her.
The air this morning was cool and crisp but the skies were blue and the sun was kind so we took a walk down by the lake. The water was calm and quiet, a good sign as it is usually windy along the shoreline and wind means cold.
We met my friend and her dog Sadie. After the initial nose sniffing and running in circles (my friend and I opted for a hug instead) we started our way towards the path by the water.

Dominoe in the foreground, Sadie further along.

The lesson I learned along my walk today was how important it is to embrace the happiness that little things in life afford and not to let anyone take that from you.
Dominoe and Sadie were overjoyed at the chance to be out, with us, with each other, by the lake and who knows with what else. Their tails were wagging and they ran in zigzags across the path, on the rocks, the grass, under trees and into the water. They stopped to sniff, to smell the flowers. They chased each other and Dominoe tried to sneak up on a pair of grey geese who were resting before their inevitable flight south.
My friend and I let the dogs free of their leashes so as not to hinder their adventure and in order to give them the freedom to roll around in their happiness...and unfortunately in a dead fish by the shore.
We found happiness in our walk as well. We admired the view and clambered along the rocks alongside our little friends. We were happy to talk. We sat by the water gazing out at the vista while the dogs snuggled in to our warm laps We were happy and in love with our fur people. And they were secure and at peace with our presence. (Read Out On A Leash by Shirley Maclaine for more on fur people).




My friends.
 It doesn't take much to please a dog. A blend of love and affection, some food and water and a nap after a good long walk is all they need in life. Humans on the other hand demand so much more. Of all the choices I had this day to find happiness, the best decision was to walk with my friends. The happiness I unearthed along the shore will carry me through for the rest of the day. The memories, I will hold close to my heart forever.


"Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?"  ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com


Depending on your point of view, the horizon on the great lake Ontario is endless. So too are our possibilities in love and life based on the small joys we encounter in a day. Take a lesson from a walk with a dog and stop to smell the grass and flowers, and even the dead fish.
Life does not have to be any more complicated than that, and happiness could not be simpler to find.


2 comments:

  1. Sigh. With you in spirit, once again...

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  2. Young children have the same effect, although they can be as frustrating as they are delightful to walk with! Great pics and sentiment Jade.

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