I just finished reading “A Dog’s Purpose,” by W. Bruce Cameron and I have to say I really enjoyed it. The book is about one dog who lives many lives and is searching for it’s purpose. The story begins with a stray puppy named Toby who is taken to a shelter, but after hurting his leg is euthanized. That dog comes back to life though, as a dog named Bailey. Bailey is adopted into a loving home to a boy named Ethan. They become inseparable, as most owners and their dogs do. During Bailey’s life with Ethan he is trying to figure out what his purpose is. He thinks his purpose is to love Ethan, keep him safe and happy and comfort him when he is sad. Bailey, the dog, dies of old age after giving Ethan and his family an enriched life. Once Bailey dies of old age, the dog wakes up again as a puppy by the name of Ellie. Ellie grows up to be a working dog. She, along with her policeman owner, are rescue and relief workers. They search and find people who are lost, have been abducted, or can’t find their way home. So, Ellie comes to the realization that while she has many purposes such as; providing companionship, love, comfort, loyalty, and safety. Her primary purpose is to save people.
Being the animal lover that I am, I have two amazing little flea bags that I call Miko and Madden. Both of them are shelter dogs and both of them happened to come into my life when I so desperately needed a friend. My friends always make fun of me for the absurd amount of time I spend with my dogs and they can’t seem to understand why I treat them more like humans than dogs. I won’t deny the fact that I am by all means the definition of a “dog lady,” but this a title I am actually proud to hold. Yes, I am constantly taking pictures and videos of my dogs and yes, I do have full on conversations with them sometimes but that doesn’t mean i’m crazy! It just means I have been sucked into the heartwarming seductiveness that is being a dog owner. I will warn you though, constantly talking about your dogs is not the best way to get a date! I have learned this from experience…
People always tell me what an amazing thing I did adopting two dogs from a shelter who really needed homes. One of which, was previously abused, and some may deem “un adoptable.” The truth is, I did no great thing. Yes, I gave two loving and deserving dogs a forever home, but what I have given them is nothing compared to what they have given me. They aren’t the lucky ones. I am.
With every lick they give me, every wag of the tail, every head tilt, every playful bark and sympathetic nudge, I am saved. We don’t just save them, they save us too. They fill our hearts with an undying love and show us their great capacity to forgive and they make us feel fulfilled; whole, even. I often tell my friends that I never really knew what love was until I adopted my first dog. He showed me how to love, how to be patient, and he made me feel deserving of being loved.
A friend of mine gave me a present for my birthday. It was a painting that said, “May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.” I think it’s something every dog owner should strive to be. Our dogs don’t see the flaws in us. They don’t see the fault in our day to day decisions. They don’t feel disappointment towards us when something doesn’t go as planned. They only see that we are good. They only see the lightest parts of our hearts and souls and they love us despite the abuse some dogs face from their owners. It’s the most beautiful thing; to be loved by a dog. The least we can do, as the unworthy humans we are, is to try and live up to their perceptions of us.
So, if you have a dog, I hope this blog resonates with you and really makes you appreciate your pet. If you don’t have a dog, think about why that is and think about adopting one. (ONLY if you have the time, patience and resources to properly care for it.) It will without a doubt change your life for the better. It is a lot of work and responsibility, but the reward is worth it all.
My dogs saved me in every single way a person can be saved. They continue to save me each and every day.
I dedicate this blog to them. My Angels.
Xo.
Taylor
[ALWAYS adopt from a local shelter. ALWAYS spay and neuter your pets. If you are going to be a pet owner at least be a responsible and informed one.]
Valentines Day with my two boys.
Miko and I.
Me and Madden.
Life Scribbles 