Day 520
We were on the Home Stretch of our 'Walk With Goldens' when "Daddy" appeared at the top of the hill! It took only a breath for Lilly and Ranger to recognize him and react. One moment, they are plodding gently along and the next...sheer joy! They (we) ran the rest of the way up the hill towards their special someone.
Looking at the picture of these happy, ecstatic, furry faces, I realized that everyone wants to be recognized this way. To be the object and recipient of such adoration is a gift from one heart to another.
To achieve this onslaught of devotion takes mindfulness, commitment and a return of the love so freely offered. In any relationship, the give-and-take should leave the beneficiary feeling as if they are receiving the lion's share of affection. Hopefully, both parties feel that way and volley their affection back and forth.
Mindfulness should be a constant state for the giver. Being aware of someone's needs and wants is crucial for a successful pairing of hearts. Making sure my Goldens are healthy, fed and exercised is a start. Beyond that, spending time with them and sharing my heart is just as important. They know I would never hurt them and that I love each one dearly. Humans are not that different.
Commitment to my Goldens often results in sacrifice. If they are sick or lonely, plans are canceled to meet their needs. Vacations, late-night gatherings and other engagements never supersede the responsibility we feel for the pups. Although we need to guess what is necessary for our Goldens, since they can't use words, our attempts usually make them happy. People are no different. Many times, loved ones can't express what is missing, so we jump in to fill their needs as best we can. Commitment is a 24/7 proposition.
Returning the love is the easy part. Seeing those beloved furry faces romping towards us, or hugging the human back (for 20 seconds Tom) is a natural reaction!
Being mindful, striving for true commitment and returning the love will be a win/win for most every relationship if both sides truly care. Now, I better go give Sammy a back scratch so he can soak up that love!
