When I interact with my dog, I am always 100% present.
(While typing, I accidentally typed “god” instead of “dog.” Is that a mistake, or kismet?)
Fortune
pitbulls
For Opal
I love our dog. But she’s an anxious case…she can’t relax:
So I’m baking her favorite peanut butter cookies – the ones with all natural ingredients, like molasses and crunchy peanut butter.
But shhhhh! It’s a secret.
Trapped No More
O is for Opal*
Go to the animal shelter
walk up and dawn the barking galley
make eye contact with several dogs
– German Shepherds, Pitbulls (many) and a Chihuahua –
she sits quietly with those huge eyes
you can see every rib through her skin
Years later, she will prove herself
to be the most tender family member
yet the most ferocious watchdog –
Her love is vast and absolute
Here is an inspiring (under 3 minute video) of someone using his talents and know-how to help disabled dogs:
My favorite quote of his:
“…but the more I do, the more I want to enhance my knowledge and improve my skills.”
*Part of my alphabiography series
The Terrible Terrier
I love her quiet presence
– wide-eyed and expectant –
she lives each day without self-judgment
She is ready to play at any time,
faithful, affectionate and constant,
she delights in all life has to offer
people keep their distance from her breed
believing them to be vicious
when they merely mirror their human companions
they are mute and misunderstood
Once a mascot for 20th century America,
and even called “nanny dogs,”
Pits can sustain much pain without yelping
The language barrier rendered us speechless
but my Korean grandmother’s love for me was a quiet companion
playful, devoted and boundless
Opal and Ice
Crrrrrraack! Tingtingting! Is that the ice dispenser I hear?
Run down the hall, from under Josie’s bed
Skid to a halt and plead with eyes
Open mouth and receive icy goodness
Our Vicious Pitbull, Opal
Listen, we go through this every May. I have to close the door after you go out in order to keep the flies and mosquitos from coming in. No need for you to get anxious and insecure. Just go out there and do your business. I’m right here. And remember, this is our routine until it gets cool again. When is that? It won’t get cool again until probably early November.
Sweet Salvation
Opal was a rescue from a shelter.
People say, “Wow, she’s lucky you found her.” She’s a pitbull mix and there are many where she came from. Her breed is supposedly unpredictable. Mean. Violent. She’s lucky to have found a home!
But really, we are the lucky ones.
She makes her rounds all night, checking on each daughter and then on us.
She rarely barks, saving her growls for trespassers outside our door. She’s so protective!
Petting her releases endorphins and dopamine, chemicals that keep anxiety at bay.
She looks at us with those beautiful eyes and persuades us to go for a walk, even if it’s cold outside.
Her mere presence cheers us up after a rough day at work or school.
She reminds us to revel in the present moment, to breathe in the fresh air, and to spot rabbits in the bushes.
What makes her happy? Food. A warm bed. Loved ones nearby. She teaches us that it doesn’t take much to be blissful.
Kismet 