He has become so much like Casey in the sense that he doesnt want to be alone and he wants to know where everyone is. He follows us around the house. He comes in my room and lies on my floor in the mornings until Im ready to get up. He is constantly looking for attention and returns the love to us. Hes definitely my boy and my bud. Weve been hanging out a lot this summer. He is our main concern. We want Sammy to be happy and with company as much as possible. Obviously, our animals are our lives.
I have always wished I was Dr Doolittle and was able to talk with animals. I desperately want to know what theyre thinking. I wish Sam could talk to us. We try to talk for him... I wonder how that makes him feel. I firmly believe that animals can teach us so much.
They teach us how to treat Gods creations. They teach us unconditional love - where a dog could get in trouble for chewing a shoe, but still want to snuggle with you at night - always desiring love and affection and always willing to give it. They have genuine adoration for their owners. Just as a few things one could learn from an animal.
As I spent time with Sam this summer, I grew to appreciate things in a new way. All of my animals have had this affect on me with different things, but as Sam being an only dog (which is rare for this family) he really opened my eyes. He has a curious mind and an appreciative spirit. Even if hes not excited to get in the car for an adventure, Im sure he never regrets getting in. At least, he always seems interested in the passing scenery. There were several incidences this summer that made me so grateful for him and the way he has responded to situations.
My grandma lives up in the hills, not too far away. Shes surrounded by horse people - corrals, horses, trails, etc.. I love it. This summer, when going to visit her, weve been trying to take Sam along. The first time we took him and he was able to smell the horses, he was instantly curious. When he got out of the car, he was so overwhelmed with the smells and scenery. He smelled bush after bush, tried following along a trail, chased a stray orange down the hill, looked over the canyon. He was so excited!
Each time we pass the horses on the way to my grandmas, we try to get him to look at them. He is so amused and interested to figure out what they are. They are bigger than him and just mysterious creatures to him. You can tell he just wants to go investigate... clearly we cant really let him do that... But it is so funny to watch his ears perk up, eyes fixated on the large animals as they walk along the property line. Though I know what they are and, yes I am fascinated by them still, he is just so curious as to what they are. I wish I could see through his eyes at what they look like to him.
On several occasions, we took him to the beach... something we couldnt do with Casey due to her injuring herself at previous visits. Sammy would miss out on beach trips too, simply because they were a pair. They liked to be together. It wasnt as fun with only one. But Sammy has done so well with every trip to the beach weve taken! He was like the old grumpy grandpa who would grumble at his grandchildren to go play away from him. But not anymore! Especially at the beach. As soon as he smells that water as we get closer in our drive, he becomes a puppy. Nose in the air, stands to his feet, tail wagging, head out the window, impatience setting in. He runs all the way to the water and dives in. Theres
no testing the water temperature with his paws. Its all or nothin! He makes friends with just about every dog he sees. He fetches balls, but drops them and allows the rightful dog to reclaim ownership. He plays with puppies - puppies! Who are clearly way younger and more agile than him! But he keeps up! He chases them and romps with them! He has slobber all over his face, making other owners smile and push him away, but he is happy and when Sammy is happy, we are happy. His happiness is contagious. But see. I hate the beach. I hate the sand getting everywhere and the cold salty water. I really dont choose to go to the beach often. But Sammy makes me realize how much I take it for granted. The fact that its not a far drive to enjoy. Its a beautiful creation to just look at. Sam is an only dog, but you wouldnt know he had a care in the world when hes at the beach.
Its so refreshing to watch him in all different types of situations. Its like watching a toddler experience things for the first time. It makes you realize how truly blessed we are with the things around us. Even in the morning time (which I hate mornings) he has been waking me up with standing by my bed, waiting for me to acknowledge him. I never get irritated with this type of wake up call. Hes so sweet about it, just wanting to say good morning.
I have always been grateful for the ability to have animals in my life. Yet again, I find myself feeling blessed and thankful for the lessons a dog can teach me.
awww, yay for Sammy!!! this is sweet and very true :)
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