An Early Valentine

What we choose to focus on -- in any aspect of our lives -- communicates things about us. Very few aspects of life have absolute value -- all is subjective -- and so we assign value, and in doing so, we communicate things about ourselves.

Just something to think about...

I value giving my dogs interesting lives, and respecting the strengths and limitations each brings as a unique being. I believe all of us -- dogs and people -- have "hard wiring" that influence our lives, our choices, and what things we do well.

Mrs. Maize came hard wired to be a Therapy Dog. Her gentle demeanor and friendly temperament is just who she is -- it was not trained or shaped -- she was born this way. And it means that she has never met anyone not deserving of her kind regard, unconditional warmth, and gentle berner lean.

As a Therapy Dog with bereaved children, she was exceptional. Maize was born with a full set of excellent manners, and an awareness of her size -- and so she has always known how to manage herself, no matter the size of a person. She does not take offense, and this makes her safe with all ages. Maize has now worked her magic with all age groups, lifting spirits as only a completely decent and good being can.

Recognizing Maize's calling, and with a commitment to ensuring that each of my dogs has a fulfilling life, I look for opportunities for Maize to serve her life's purpose. Maize visits a nursing home nearby every so often, and also makes frequent trips to work with me; students always seem in need of a dog fix.

Earlier this week a student asked if I was bringing a dog soon, and I recognized a veiled request when I heard one -- and so I said yes, I would bring one on Thursday and so I did. Yesterday when I came back from lunch, the student was waiting and she enjoyed a warm visit with Maize, and in the process confided that just the day before the dog of her childhood had died. I am reminded of the importance of being open to the whisperings of need in others...

I took my camera, which seems to work only when it wants to, and got some pictures of Maize's day. The first visit is always to Aunt Heidi...



Maize thought she should spend the whole day being Aunt Heidi's assistant so hopped on an empty chair and tried to will the computer on -- without success...


So we went upstairs and posted a sign to attract customers...


Maize would wait patiently, alerting when she heard people walking by...


She had many customers but the camera only liked some of them...




And much to Maize's amaizement -- guess who showed up?! Her favorite boy: Galen!!!

She did not realize he is a student at the university again and was quite delighted by this. Unfortunately, Galen embraced his inner (rebellious) teenager and invited Maize to sit on my white chairs while I was teaching -- now they are covered in black hair -- sigh...

But let me give you an example of what I mean by the mental kaleidoscope: How blessed I am to have Maize here to cover my white chairs with her black hair -- I am so grateful that she exists, that she has the perfect therapy dog disposition, and that she is alive and well enough at age 10.5 years to jump on my office chairs and shed (and that those sticky hair remover rollers exists and that I have one -- someplace)!

My wish for you today is that you encounter someone as kind as Maize, who will reach out and give you exactly what your heart needs...