Strength and Beauty=Perfection

I recently ventured out on a long, chilly walk with mom. I stopped and rolled in the snow along the way and checked out the ducks hanging out on the lake.

It was a glorious day. I love the cold. I love the snow. I love going for a walk!!! The walk of the day was a walk Mom and I have done many times without incident, but after returning home this time, I found my hips and feet were a little bit sore. A lot bit sore. I limped for days. It may have been the snowballs. It may be that I am getting older?!

A few weeks before this particular walk, I had a small surgical procedure. Although I came through the recovery like a champ, there were certainly some undignified moments I had to endure.

I once heard someone say, “Growing old is rough.” In my circle, we like to reply, “Yes, if you’re lucky.” And I am lucky. I get to grow old.

I am also inspired.

When the going is tough, I think about some of the inspirational pups I know. Let me introduce you to them…

Strength Has No Size Requirements

On October 7, 2022, Scout’s mom came home from work and was instantly concerned when he didn’t meet her at the gate. She heard nothing at all. When she looked in the kitchen, Scout was on his bed, shivering, and unable to use his back legs. He was rushed to the vet and given anti-inflammatory pills and pain medication. After one month of rest, his legs remained weak. His spirit remained unbroken.

AQUA DOG TO THE RESCUE!

For nine months, Scout tackled a rigorous routine of stretching and exercising to build up his muscle tone. In addition, he dove into hydrotherapy despite not being a huge fan.

You do what you have to do.

The strongest spirits can be found in the tiniest packages. #scout #inspire #nevergivein

Beautiful Inside and Out

Beauty is said to be in the eye of the beholder, but I have no idea what a beholder is. I’m a dog, not a dictionary. However, I am curious and willing to learn.

The dictionary says a beholder is: a person who sees or observes someone or something. I can understand that definition. I see birds and trees and squirrels and puddles and they are all beautiful! Thus, a beholder can be anyone or anything with the ability to see. Got it.

Somehow, I suspect the definition has a deeper implication than simply looking out and seeing beauty everywhere. I mean, I can see the “secret” medicine mom hides in my food on occasion, and that is not beautiful!

So beholding beauty must also mean appreciating the power and character before our eyes.

Meet Katie, one of the most beautiful girls in my pack.

Katie recently came to live with some of Mom and Dad’s closest friends and her new dog brother, Jack. She didn’t necessarily have a bad life before her new home, but she did have a lonely one. When Katie came to Pennsylvania from her old state, she was not a social butterfly. She reminds me a lot of Dixie, and you remember her story… but Dixie is thriving now and is more loved than words can say.

Love. There is a magical word.

So Katie settled in.

Katie decided she would be more than alone.

Katie took a chance and let outsiders in.

Katie found the power to be who she was meant to be.

Katie decided to be beautiful, to see beautiful, to feel beautiful, and to thrive.

When I am having a bad day, or if I am feeling blue, I think of the amazing beings that share my space and I feel better. Growing old may be rough, but we are lucky for the journey and the beautiful experiences we have along the way.

I’m a dog, I love life, and I have flaws. I’m perfect. Imperfect. Just. Like. You.