The other day, I went out for a walk as usual and my girl, Alex, was dragging her feet. Being the patient person that I am I told her, “You’ve got to be kidding me. How can you be tired? We just started our walk”. She looked at me with those dark brown eyes and I felt as if she were telling me, “Mom, why are you so impatient? What’s bothering you? Don’t be like that with me”. I apologized to her. Yes, I do talk to my dog and I do apologize, many times, when I know I’ve done something wrong. I slowed down my pace and told myself that she does that once every blue moon so live with it.
I don’t know if this happens to other pet parents, so feel free to give me some feedback, but I can see so much in my girl’s eyes, so much wisdom and kindness. This week I was very nervous because I had to go to court and I was afraid of the outcome so I skipped lunch. Now, skipping lunch for most people is not a big deal, but for me this happens to be a huge deal. Ok., I’ll come clean. To me skipping lunch is more like the end of the world because I love to eat. Anyway, as I was about to leave from home, I saw Alex looking at me as if telling me, “Mom, relax. You’ve got this. It’s going to be ok”. I looked at her and told her, “I am so glad I have you in my life”. Alex was right. The outcome was positive for me and I was very pleased and relieved.
I know that a lot of people think of dogs as objects, but for me, Alex, is part of my family. She is the one that; calms me down when I am starting to see red: sooths me when I feel like my life is chaotic and in upheaval; and gives me kisses when I cry. As I told more than a few people, and some of them laughed at me, but that’s ok., my daughter, Alex, is perfect. She is perfect for me. Why? Because she teaches me every day to be kind, to try hard to be patient, to try and overlook the annoying things my loved ones do, because let’s remember that I probably do many things that also annoy those that love me, and well, so much more. That’s my Alex. My daughter, my companion, and my teacher.
AllMyCanineCompanions 
Not everybody ‘gets’ the connection with four legged souls, but I think those of us who do are blessed. Grady, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge in 2011, was/is my soulmate and my spiritual guide. He motivated me to become a better person, and he taught me to live in the Now. Sadie, our rescue girl, is continuing Grady’s lessons in her own way, and Guinness, our trickster, is the most joyous spirit I’ve ever met. He brought back my laughter after Grady moved on. I’ve had people say, ‘They’re not your children! They’re your pets.’ or ‘He’s just a dog!’, but…they’re more than that, and we know it. You’re blessed to have that connection with Alex, and she’s blessed to have you.
Thanks for your beautiful words. You are right, we are blessed, those of us that have a connection with our dogs. Yes, they do teach us many things and I am always grateful for having Alex in my life. I am glad Sadie brought back your smile:)