Lessons from a St. Bernard

One of the wondrous things about life is that there is learning everywhere - provided we are open to the opportunities.  This past week, the physical life of our dog, Cowboy, came to an end;  but his spirit lives on by what I was able to learn from him.

Cowboy was a St.  Bernard mix. . .so a St. Bernard-something-something (we never were sure what that cocktail was).  Safe to say, however, that his gentle soul was that of a saint.   This is what will live in my soul from my time with Cowboy.

When something happened that was unexpected - another dog walking on the opposite side of the street, a harsh noise or even his own stumble on the sidewalk - he would stop, figure it out, regain his composure and shake it off.  Then he would move on.     I admire that about Cowboy - that great ability to gain information, shake it off and move on. . .and instead of wasting a lot of time looking backward. . .I, too,  will shake things off and move on.

Cowboy was a quiet presence.    Unlike some yippy-yappy dogs who dance around looking for attention; he was content to quietly approach others. . .or just let others be drawn to him.  So I find myself asking the question: do we unnecessarily seek attention when actually our presence is enough to draw others to us?

Consistency was inherent in Cowboy.  Regardless of time of day, we could say with relative assurance that we would know exactly where Cowboy was.   It was obvious when he thought it was time for dinner or his walk.   That type of consistency is assuring. . .regardless if you're dealing with a co-worker or a canine.

Cowboy was comforting.

And. . .just when spring would arrive in Seattle, Cowboy would stop in the middle of walk, flop down on a gloriously green lawn, roll over onto his back and would wiggle back and forth to celebrate the arrival of the season.    He was unaware of the cars driving past and gawking at the sight of a nearly 100 pound ball of fur rolling around on his back;   he didn't care.  He was just enjoying life.

And so should we.

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