I am walking a path to live a better life. A significant aspect of my journey has been to struggle with anger and with fear. This weekend was one of those times.
Whenever I find myself in the middle of those feelings, I have learned to look to Rumpy and DeDe to see how they respond to their feelings.
When angry, my dogs bare their teeth in warning. DeDe tries to take Rumpy’s food and sometimes he lets her have it; but if he wants it for himself, he lets her know in no uncertain terms to leave his food alone. Invariably, DeDe complies and everyone is back to normal. If she by chance does not heed his warning, she will probably be the recipient of an angry nip. But that’s it. The reaction matches the situation.
Fear? Rumpy seems fearless, but DeDe does experience fear. Ironically, the only thing she seems to fear is people. If I tell her No! with a harsh tone of voice, she cringes. I have no idea why she does that; perhaps it’s a response she learned in her past.
And yet, when the moment has passed, DeDe is back to her happy self. She responds well to people otherwise. She does not live in the fear.
Last year when Sage’s health went downhill and I struggled with knowing what was best for her, I watched Rumpy care for her. He was sad for Sage because she was hurting. He mothered Sage and protected her. And when the day came that we said good-bye, Rumpy took it hard.
Granted, neither dog understands what has happened at Sandy Hook Elementary. Still, I take my cues from them. Feel the emotions. Take whatever action is needed to prevent future incidents. And when the time comes, gather our resolve and move on.
I hope this time we all do just that.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
What a lovely post. I wish we were all more attuned to our doggie pals, we could learn a lot x.
Amazing and wonderful post:)
This is a beautiful post…I have often thought that dog’s have a much better way of dealing with emotions than humans do…They don’t carry resentment & “baggage” with them…Live in the moment, deal with the situation and move on…there’s much to be admired there
How touching…..yes humans can learn many things from dogs…they are very clever animals. 🙂
If all humans could give loves to each other like they do to dogs things would be lots better.
My dogs are the best anti-depressants. When I am feeling down, watching them helps me to feel better. They get so excited about being able to go outside to go poop even though they get to go out several times a day. And feeding time… You’d think they never get to eat with all the ruckus they cause at dinner time. It’s the same boring stuff it was yesterday, but they are still so happy about it. And it amazes me at how ecstatic they get over a simple ball. Watching them makes me realize that it is all about perspective. I can sit and mope or I can think about all the good things in life.
Moving on and taking lesson learned with us is a positive step, thanks Jen.
They are the best teachers on unconditional love, patience, enjoying life and living in the moment. Thank you for a wonderful post. Special treats for the gang today … 😀
With you on this one. Give Rumpy & DeDe a rubbie from Paw-wet (our friend’s baby began speaking and couldn’t pronounce my name, Paulette, and that became it. No better title has befallen me). I love all things dogs. Great post.
I hope so too I hope so too!!
We are great teachers. The best lesson we give is love. And that one thing encompasses so much in every aspect in life.
Blessings,
Goose
Awwww Rumpy, DeDe and angel Sage are wise and wonderful!! Take care
x
Profound post – brilliant and moving. I understand what you are saying – thank you.
brilliant xxx really brilliant jen
animals teach us so much ……..
they do ………..
tons of love your way xx
Cat xx
It’s a good hope for this time and for life in general.
Rumpy Rumpy Rumpy and of COURSE JUNE BUGGIE ….
the little Kitty with the GINORMOUS HEART 🙂
Santa told me – well i just called him and he is sending a gift through to you from me – Both of you 🙂 xo
it’s not a dinosaur ! SORRY …………… and June Buggie …..i am sooooooooooooo sure you will love it xxx
it should take about 5 days from here to there …….
and Santa told me to write you a note – so i did 🙂
mailing you some stuff tomorrow xxx because i adore YOU 🙂
it’s pretty obvious huh 🙂
xx
i will give you a hint Rumpy – it’s got a Canadian flag on it 🙂
xxxx and you can run around and catch it in the air 🙂 xo
and June Buggie – Yours is a surprise 🙂 🙂 🙂
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
love love love xoxoxo
Cat xxx
woooo wooo and meow 🙂
In the animal world, proximity is everything. If it’s near me and needs me, I will. The greatest gift our technology has given us is said proximity. We can be on call, right there when tragedy strikes.
With prayers and good will, let’s hope we move forward toward a better tomorrow, taking cues from our palimals.
on behalf of Darth, Hercules, Rosie and Sarah Jane.
Great post!
Nellie’s Mom
Hi Rumpy,
I featured you as my Featured Blog today. Come take a look., and meet Kalev, my dog. http://wp.me/p2jC53-10t
Lots of love and hugs,
Marsha 🙂
Fantastic post. Moe people should take cues from thier dogs…just not the ones that tell them to lick thier butt.
Love you Rumpy and DeDe
Fantastic post, Rumpy.
They are the best teachers EVER. Loved this post. Hugs and nose kisses
Beautiful post!
Love this post ❤
Animals have a way of simplifying things down to what really matters. Thoughtful post. ~ Kat