I have a terrier who is perpetually enthusiastic, energetic, and hopeful. He never tires of running through the grass and underbrush trying to scare up critters. He never loses his enthusiasm for barking shrilly at every squirrel he spots. He is always irrationally hopeful that every family member coming in his direction is going to bring him a treat and go for a walk with him. If I could extract and bottle that hope&happy attitude -well, I and some psychiatrists would make our fortunes before retiring early.
But I also have a spaniel who is a little timid and needy. He relishes all one-on-one contact with any person who has the time to stop and pet him while staring into his deep brown eyes. He likes other dogs- as long as they like him. He sidles cautiously up to any potential friend with his head stretched out low and his tail swishing back and forth in the universal dog-posture for "I come in peace". As soon as his overtures are accepted he is clearly grateful for any attention and contact he receives.
He will sit at my feet with his chest pressed against my shins staring soulfully up at me while I scratch the top of his fluffy, curly head. He won't move until I'm ready to leave and then he happily bounces away and gives me my space back- thankful for the time I gave him.
Wow, if only I could see every person I meet as a potential wonderful new friend; if only I could approach with cautious hope and then gratefully accept the friendly overtures of anyone who turns my way for a minute or two; and if only I could slow my spinning thoughts and stop to take a break to share soulful moments of connection with my family and close friends. I really wish I could be more like my dogs.
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