I live with a beautiful beagle named Abby. She is full of enthusiasm and continually gives me lessons on living a good life.
Be open and friendly to all. Abby is the friendliest dog I've ever had. She greets every person and dog she meets on our nightly walks enthusiastically, confident that she will receive a warm reception. And nine times out of ten she is right.
Keep your nose to the ground to sniff out opportunities. Abby is a nose with four legs. Her sensitive nose leads both of us in interesting directions on our walks through the neighborhood. As I was writing that last sentence, I was eating a cracker and cheese while Abby was outside. She just came racing into my room and leaped onto my chair with me, following her nose, even though the food was gone. I can't sneak anything past her.
Persistently go after what you want. Often I think she's stubborn, but Abby is just following her instinct, chasing a smell or seeking out a new friend. She definitely has a mind of her own, and is not afraid to use it!
Don't hold a grudge. Love unconditionally. No matter whether I've been upset with her, if I've left her all day in her crate, or if I'm slow to help her get what she wants, Abby is always glad to see me. She shows her welcome and happiness with her whole body; her adoring eyes and waving tail always bring a smile.
Be willing to detour when something interesting attracts you. Tonight on our walk, Abby poked around, sniffing everything she could reach. Because we stopped to meet two new dogs and sniff at the ducks, we arrived at the park at exactly the right time to see a man on an old-fashioned bicycle with a giant front wheel and a tiny back wheel. What a surprise! I never would have seen it without her " encouragement" to take it slow. How many things in life do I miss because I'm in a hurry?
I hope I can live up to Abby's example. I want to be more like her, totally living and enjoying every minute.
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