Devotion

Day 5 of Gratitude Month.

It's a strange feeling to be the object of another's devotion.  Today I'm grateful for my step-dog Dickens & the lessons he's taught me about devotion.  I didn't know him when he was a baby, but there's something "old soul" about his eyes in this baby pic of him.  His expression seems sad, too.  It's probably just those diamond-shaped Labbie eyes, or maybe he's missing his mom.  He is a mama's boy, no doubt about it & nowadays I am she.  Of course his primary relationship is with Big G, but she fills another role in his little doggy heart.  Pack leader, Protector, Provider, Walking Companion, Soft Touch.

I am Mommy, Giver of Snacks, Goddess of Pizza Crust & Meatloaf.  Also, She Who Cries & Must be Comforted, She Who Cannot be Fooled, She Who is Stern but Quickly Forgives.  All depending on how strong his

Coyote Medicine is in any given moment.  He is surely a Child of the Coyote & uses his humor to teach us all kinds of lessons.  What he mainly teaches me is about the foolishness of holding on to anger, because I absolutely cannot stay angry with him & thus have learned to relinquish many of my control issues.  This lesson plan has been a long & rocky road because Dickens wasn't always the Good Dog you see before you today.  He was very naughty indeed once upon a time & I didn't love him for many moons.  I tolerated him (barely) as something I had to endure because I loved Big G. 

But Dickens knew he could crack my tough shell & he just continued on his work of showing me how to love him.  His manners improved, which helped, but he never changed who he is.  I had to do the changing; I had to love him in all his contrary, crazy, upside-down ways. 

 

Mr. Busy, as he sometimes is known, never gave up - he remained devoted to me & determined to use his humor & good nature to win me over. 

And because he was so devoted, he finally succeeded.  Now we're the best of friends & the pack is stronger for it, individually & collectively. 

So thank you, Mr. Busy.

Comments

[Eva Yaa Asantewaa]

I love your story about Dickens because our younger cat, Crystal, is similar--a doglike little toughie who knows she has our hearts no matter what trouble she gets into! She is particularly bonded to me, very strongly so, and makes my heart turn over with her steadfast devotion.

[Neasa]

Eva's back from vacation!!! Yay!!!