One Sick Puppy

Scottie is resting beside me. He had a hard night, as did I. we were both restless. Only, one of us threw up a couple of times while the other followed him around, opened doors, sat on the porch, and generally overshadowed him along his way. He returned to his dog bed beside ours and sat in clear, immobilizing discomfort.

As all this played out, I quickly went from annoyance and resentment to compassion and empathy. I'm integrating well. This reminded me to see every experience, including disruption, as an opportunity to appreciate the chance to be of help.

I love this dog. He's not getting sick on purpose or doing any intentional wrong by doing so. Hell, he made it clear he was ill and avoided getting sick in the bed! What a good dog.

It brought back memories of being in my kids' room years ago, right as Tommy threw up. It was a mess and a disruption, but as I did with Scottie last night, I felt love and compassion and managed it.

Some 10-15 years ago, I was less conscious of how fleeting these moments would actually be and how deeply grateful I would be in time when I recognized them for being as real and rewarding as any other life experience might be.

Scottie won't always be here. Neither will I. Every opportunity I have to be a part of his journey and experience enriches my own. Tommy's, too.