Saturday, April 4, 2009

Sometimes It Took a Dog To Help Us See

The Hubs and I watched Marley and Me last night. And YES, I cried, thank you very much! (shhhh...don't tell the Hubs I told you, but sooo did he!) The author, John Grogan wrote of how he had learned valuable life lessons from his special dog. Here are a few of John's quotes:


"Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."


"Was it possible for a dog - any dog, but especially a nutty, wildly uncontrollable one like ours - to point humans to the things that really mattered in life? I believed it was. Loyalty. Courage. Devotion. Simplicity. Joy. And the things that did not matter, too. A dog has no use for fancy cars or big homes or designer clothes. Status symbols mean nothing to him. A waterlogged stick will do just fine. A dog judges others not by their color or creed or class but by who they are inside. A dog doesn't care if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his. It was really quite simple, and yet we humans, so much wiser and more sophisticated, have always had trouble figuring out what really counts and what does not. As I wrote that farewell column to Marley, I realized it was all right there in front of us, if only we opened our eyes. Sometimes it took a dog with bad breath, worse manners, and pure intentions to help us see."


Wow! That's good! In my life, I have never seen a more loyal love than that of my ever present shadow, companion, lap heater, tear licker, running partner, gaurd, my Harley.

He pines and mopes when I am gone. He only eats when I am home. When I drive up to my house and see him looking out the window, I know that he hasn't moved from that spot for quite literally hours. He is standing watch. Waiting for Mom to return. Watching every passing car, hoping it is me. And boy howdy WHAT a welcome!! He can hardly contain his excitement! He never fails to meet me with great enthusiasm. He is never too tired, too busy, too moody, too preoccupied or too lazy to give me the most gracious homecoming! We could all learn from my Harley. What about you, when your family comes home, do they feel you are excited for their return? Do you meet your hubs at the door with a big smooch? Do your children know that you have thought about them all day? I know, I'm preachin' to the choir, right?? Maybe this is just for me?? I want all of my families homecomings (rather they have been gone for hours or days) to feel as exuberant and the ones I receive from my Harley. Well....minus the licking of course! That might be a bit awkward!


Is it possible for a dog to point humans to the things that really matter in life? I look at my Harley and agree with John Grogan, he is the clearest, most vivid picture of exactly what loyalty, courage, devotion, simplicity, and joy look like. "Sometimes it took a dog....to help us see"

7 comments:

Melinda said...

I have Marley and Me to watch with the kids tonight! I really cant wait to see it now!!

Angie said...

I totally agree! I can't wait to watch the movie with the family too. Have a great weekend.
Love your projects by the way~ your purse is in the same fabric of the shirt I made a couple weeks back. I just love it!
Angie

Housewife Savant said...

Going to rent Marley & Me...
Going to snuggle with my faithful dog Bingo...
Thanks for a delightful post.

Anonymous said...

oh goodness me, i so know what you mean. My little bailey is my world :-D
Cory and I went to go rent Marley and Me and they were out, we are going to on our next movie outing.
Loves!

nikkicrumpet said...

I haven't seen the movie...but it's true. There is no greater example of unconditional love and loyalty than our wonderfully furry friends. I can't imagine how lonely and empty the world would be without them. And for anyone who has never experienced the love of a good dog....you are missing out on one of the greatest gifts in life. Just remember...it takes a good dog owner to have a good dog! Oh and guess what? I received the most awesome thing in the mail the other day. I'm gonna post about it tonight. But THANK YOU...it's BEAUTIFUL! And I'm gonna be sporting it this weekend at dinner with my hubby and friends! YAY!

Home as Hobby said...

I can't even bring myself to watch it! How bad is that? I have had to put 3 dogs to sleep in 10 years and I just can't bear to see it (I have heard about it). Maybe when I am all alone with my box or 2 of tissues.... Great post!

Kristina P. said...

Tracey, I just wanted to check in with you. It's been a while since you've updated. Hope all is well!