Yesterday I popped into the pet store to pick up a bag of kibble. On my way to the back of the store, where Henny’s brand of bites are shelved, I perused a few displays of dog toys. In particular, I was looking for a toy that will float. In the heat of summer, we often take field trips to water features.
A black fur coat in summer can really slow a fourleg down. Dips and swims lower the heat index.
Not a single toy announced itself a must-have so I hefted a bag of dog food and headed toward the register. Wait, what’s this…
Never one to zip past an orange sticker, I stopped and dug through a bin of plushies priced to sell. There were cute green alligators and patchwork dinosaurs. Nothing grabbed me though, until… I came across the only smiling, denim bear.
“I’m her guy,” he said.
“Okay,” I replied. “She’s gonna be tickled to have a new playmate.”
Henrietta has always shown love via devoted attention to new toys. She mouths them. She rolls on her back and holds them between her front paws. She squeaks them until they lose their voice.
This morning, Henny upped her game. When it was time for our walk, she picked up her new friend and refused to put him down. When I tried to take him, she held her grip and turned her head.
“Okay,” I relented. “If you get tired of carrying him, I’ll carry.”
She held Bear for the entire walk. We enjoyed several rest breaks in the shade with Henny and Bear rolling in the grass. Sometimes I wonder what the neighbors must think of us, but then I ask myself… If we’re having a good time, what does it matter?
Henrietta didn’t choose Bear. Her gift was given by a Higher Power… which in this case, was me. :)
I’m taking today’s lesson as a reminder to pay attention to what I’m given — to love in equal measure — that which I receive.