Cat people, you may take a pass today. We’ll glory in dogs with a detour into human behavior.
Our dog died in January. We loved him, of course, and he gave every sign to our anthropomorphizing minds that he loved us.
Two weeks ago, past our worst grief, we adopted Beau. He’s an older standard poodle whose previous human companion had relinquished him to a shelter.
Beau settled quickly into our routines. He knows when he’ll be fed and how to request a backyard visit. He’s claimed ownership of his bowl and bed, and he joins me on schedule in the home office during work hours. He seeks the usual surplus of head pats, ear scratches and back rubs.
Beau went through hell in the previous five weeks. Yet he’s moved on and into our lives, accepting us completely, blessing us with doggy cheerfulness.
What if we, his companions, could welcome other humans with Beau’s openness? We’d avoid judgments, offer unconditional acceptance and lead with kindness while delivering smiles and warmth.
Our Beau, role model.
A Beau model for all.
