My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
-Author Unknown
When I walked into my mom's house yesterday I noticed our best pal and family dog, Cooper, settling into his bed, as if he were getting ready for a long winter's nap. I paused. I watched him. And in that moment I realized, our sweet little beagle has aged.
My mom and sister brought Cooper home around 12 years ago and at the time I was still living in Colorado. A year or so later I returned home and lived with my mom as I regained my footing into a new stage of my life. I was searching and confused and trying to figure out who I was and where I was going and what I wanted out of life.
And Cooper was always there for me. I have such vivid memories of that time period and remember Cooper snuggling by my side. He's always been that kind of dog that will stare intensely into your eyes, never licking your face, just looking deep inside your soul as if he knows something. Or as if he wants you to know something. Whatever the case may be, there has always been a sense of comfort I've felt when I take the time to be in his presence.
So today, I thank Cooper, for being there for me. And for being there for our family. He's been quite a companion, especially for my mom. Sure, over the last 12 years he's ran away numerous times, displaced the bathroom trash all over the house and god knows how many meals Cooper has ruined by his quick maneuvers and hound dog scent. But as any dog lover knows, none of that matters when they do what they do best - love you for who you are - no matter what.
Your Personal Reflection: Thank someone, a person or an animal, in your life who loves you just the way you are - no matter what.
This is lovely, Shannon, what a beautiful post! I love that you are thanking Cooper for being there - not limiting yourself to people :) Those photos are amazing too - unconditional love, right there! xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Cooper! He sounds like a wonderful companion who has truly been there for you and your family for well over a decade. He clearly is a well-loved and cared for member of your family.
ReplyDeleteI laughted when I read about some of the more "challenging" behavior Cooper displayed. Sounds just like Montague (the golden retriever I have now). Went through some garbage-strewn-all-around-the-first-floor days when he was much younger.
He also escaped many times and came back reeking of who knows what decaying animal he found and rolled on.
Yet, despite the "bad" behavior, I couldn't imagine life without him. Sounds like Cooper is the same way.
I wrote about Meenie (my cat) who I thanked today as well as some of the other cats who have wandered on our farm. Here's the link if you'd like to read about Meenie: http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com/2011/11/30-days-of-giving-thanks-day-5.html
I have a little dog, Twinkie, who thinks he is one of my children. When I am gone, he sits on the piano looking out the window unitl I return [so they tell me]. He is my constant companion and I love him dearly. I thank my husband daily for him [he was a gift].
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What a lovely honor to your family dog. I'm uber lucky. My kids and hubby love me unconditionally. I tell them every single day how much I love them. I will go thank them right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks to all you dog lovers! I so enjoyed reading each of your stories.
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