I can only aspire to be a dog. 
Particularly my dog, Sev.
Let me explain.
Sev came from humble beginnings. He was likely an ‘oops’ dog. A member of a litter among many litters on the Native Reserve close to Calgary. I’m sure he was homeless and living in a ditch for the better part of his formative years.
Luck would have it that a rescue agency found him in his ditch. Sadly he was full of porcupine quills, likely quilled for 2-3 weeks. He was sweet and gentle and they took him in and provided the care he needed. They proceeded to put him up for adoption, though an unlikely candidate for a home: mangy, scabby, hairless and one eyed. His sweet disposition could not be photographed or quantified.
Somehow my daughter just knew he belonged to us. She said that ‘all the cute puppies will find a home, no one wants Sev, we have to take him’. (Where did this girl come from? I can only hope to be as fabulous as her as well.)
When we met him, he was an easy sell. He was quiet and calm, a real hidden beauty. So he came home with us after the 24 hour ‘cooling off’ period the shelter had (this is to reduce the stupid snap decisions people make regarding pets).
Since he’s been with us, he’s gained 30 lbs, he’s grown a beautiful coat, his scars have healed and he has personality plus.
The point I want to make about Sev, and every dog really, is that there’s a lot to be learned from them.
Sev had every reason to be bitter and mean. The world was cruel to him and he never knew what love and security meant. Yet somehow, he kept his happy disposition and loving nature. He knows how to be vulnerable even when the world chewed him up and spat him out. His ability to love has brought love to him.
Sev loves with his whole heart and then some. This is a dog that sleeps next to my bed, but still finds the need to surround himself with my stinky socks. He puts his life on the line for me by providing home protection and chasing wild coyotes and porcupines (even if it means getting attacked). 
I need to be more like Sev.
I need to overlook the disappointments in life and know that there’s always something to look forward to – simple things like a morning off leash walk in the sunshine.
When people close to me disappoint: business partners, friends, family, I need to learn how to still stay open and vulnerable while not being taken advantage of.
When I disappoint others, I need to come with my tail between my legs with a heart felt apology.
Yes, to me Sev provides a daily lesson on ‘how to be happy’.
I need to be more like him.
Well, all except his annoying habit of rolling in poo. He rolls in stink about once a month…
Seriously Sev, why do you do this?
I like to think it’s his way of keeping me humble. Just when I think I’m ‘all that’, I end up hose in hand scrubbing him down in the backyard.
Thank you Sev, for the life lessons and endless love. I can only hope to be as pure hearted as you. (Although on the whole, I think I smell better.)
PS. If you want a fantastic read, I’m currently reading ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ by Garth Stein. If you’re a dog lover (and lover of good literature), this should be on your list.
PPS. Are you a dog lover?
Do you want to be like your dog?
Wanna share some awesome-ness about YOUR canine? Feel free to share a comment. If our dogs could read, they’d be really honored.