Looking down at Hank this morning, my heart nearly melted. He was resting his head on my foot while reaching out to Mac with a paw. Totally safe and at peace with his world, it occurred to me that here was a visual definition of trust.
He had never been hurt.
The little guy is offered food and shelter.
The Golden boy has soft beds and safe toys.
He has never been left behind
Our pup is safe in the fenced-in yard.
Kind words reach his ears many times each day.
He “puppy snuggles” with his brothers,
Soft belly rubs, back scratches and cuddles are abundant.
His humans are always near. We are part of his pack.
That trust grows into affection and devotion. That is our “pay back” and it is a true gift from all of our pups. It is enough.
Humans are not that different. Trust is necessary for bonding with our “people pack." We trust that we are safe, cared for and will not be left behind. Without trust, our pack begins to unravel.
To gain someone’s trust…really earn it…is a commitment. Once gained, you must be vigilant to maintain it. Those relationships are so worth the effort.
When I count my blessings, I include my trusted pack…four and two-legged members alike.
