We have a dog named Lucky. We gave him that name when we rescued him from the Humane Society at only 6 weeks old. He is a mixed Yellow Lab and German Shepherd – all white hair, black nose, black lips and deep dark chocolate eyes. His mouth naturally curves up into a long stretched out smile that goes from ear to ear. People are always commenting “hey look, that dog is smiling!” Who would ever have guessed what life’s lessons we’ve learned and are still learning from him?
Every morning without fail, Lucky awakes at 6:00 a.m. As we hustle to and fro, getting kids ready for school, and dad off to work – Lucky lay’s there like a frozen statue on his big fat lumpy pillow. The only proof of life, are his dark chocolate eyes switching back and forth watching our every move, waiting ever so patiently, not saying a word. Anticipating his daily walk with the greatest patience I’ve ever known.
Suddenly his ears perk up with tail thumping, as I open the cupboard door opens to retrieve his treats. Within moments my shoes are laced and jacket is zipped. He looks up at me sitting at full attention as if asking “is it really my turn now?!” All I have to say is, “Let’s go for a walk,” and immediately this sweet big 90 pound, 7 year old full-grown dog turns into an over-excited puppy! My 15 year old son once asked “do you think that Lucky’s walk is like his own heaven on earth?” I must agree, that yes it is. Lucky has also become our own daily private school of life’s important lessons learned.
The instant we’re out the door, discoveries begin as if it’s Lucky’s first time out in the world. From one bush to the other, fence to fence, and any scent picked up - it’s all new to him all over again. No worries about what happened yesterday or the to-do list for today…right there Lucky teaches me to be immersed in joyful contentment of living in the moment. To never take anything for granted, because there’s always something new to discover as long as you’re still alive and breathing.
All along the well-walked trail through the meadow, his friends greet him against chain-linked and wooden fences barking their greetings as they race back and forth. Lucky runs alongside answering back, with his big white fluffy tail wagging in an excited huge clockwise motion. Greetings continue along the trail off the leash with old friends and new ones, showing politeness and a very friendly attitude. He has never started, or been in a fight with another friend. He teaches me to be kind to everyone, no matter the size, color or shape. To always say hello to everyone with a smile from ear-to-ear as you pass by and to never start a fight.
Suddenly, he spots something in the distance and doesn’t just run, but leaps into action! Springing up and down like a deer through the high bushes, he pounces on his target and begins digging at rapid speed using every ounce of energy in his body. By the time I catch up to him, his entire head is completely buried deep inside a squirrel’s hole, and his behind is sticking straight up in the air as he snorts underground to locate the scent. Even though his object isn’t retrieved, he doesn’t give up, until I finally lead him away on to his next adventure. He teaches me to give my all - 100% for something I truly want. And to never stop digging for all the different treasure’s that life holds.
At the end of our trail, is a small creek off the path down into the riverbed of which Lucky can’t wait to run and play in. He instinctively leaves the trail and dives in the water with all he’s got – leaping and plopping the water up into the air to catch it in his mouth. On really hot days, he’ll submerse himself in the shallow running creek and just lay there to cool his body while lapping up his refreshment with pure delight! Lucky has taught me that no matter what, playing in the water like a little child jumping in mud-puddles or catching raindrops in my mouth fills the soul with utter joy; and to always stay young at heart should never be forgotten.
On the trail for home, Lucky continues to explore and discover and pounce and dig and smile and then obey when he needs to come back on the leash for his “treat” – one of the very important words he knows. When we arrive home, Lucky plops himself on his self-destructed couch and takes a nice long nap. Later in the day, he’ll lay out under the sun – flat on his back with paws hanging in the air. Just seeing him in that position makes me laugh, and brings extreme joy to my heart. He truly teaches to enjoy whatever environment and surroundings he is in, to take time out, and sunbathing is one of them!
Suddenly he pops up the instant he hears “his kids” come home. Immediately his black wet nose smears against the glass of the French doors - with ears perked - straining with all his might to see inside. As my son opens the door, he talks to Lucky in their own “language” as he goes outside to sit on the worn-out couch with Lucky sprawled across his lap. They share secrets, the day’s events and unspoken moments, as Lucky truly seems to understand with his eyes exactly what is being shared. The true definition of loyalty.
When my daughter plays the piano, Lucky lays down on the floor in complete relaxation and enjoyment, as evident peace soothes his soul. He has wonderful taste for all genres of music, but mostly appreciates classical - from Mozart, Beethoven to Bach. He teaches us that good music truly calms the soul, and all one has to do is take the time out to listen and enjoy.
Lucky rarely complains. The only time he barks is when he really needs something like food, water re-fill, or just wants to play. He teaches us that when we speak, it should be something of great importance and nothing to complain about.
Whenever someone is sick, hurt, or just having a bad day, Lucky always seems to sense it. He snuggles up to whoever needs the attention and will stay there for as long as it takes. He truly teaches nurturing, comfort and to be aware of those in need. To always be there for them, even if it’s just his body as a big pillow to lay on for some healing time.
There are times when Lucky needs to be disciplined for one thing or another. And the most important lesson he teaches in return is unconditional love. Even after he’s been reprimanded, he doesn’t walk away angry, full of resentment and unforgiveness…he immediately comes back with his face in mine – kissing my cheeks or resting his head on my arm. He endlessly shows love in return to all of us every day – unconditionally, no matter what.
Our sweet dog – Lucky – who we rescued so many years ago, truly makes me believe it is we who have been rescued. He rescues us daily in so many ways – teaching us the most important characteristics in life, namely love. Wet nose and all.
"Wanna go for a walk?!!" ...
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