INSPIRATION FOR BUSY FAMILIES The Love of a Dog

By Lisa Payne

I love Our Broomfield’s pet issue! I wrote a few months ago about getting a puppy and how that brought our family closer together, with the kids wanting to be around all the time. Yes, well that didn’t last, haha! They still spend a lot of time with him but the newness definitely wears off.

I think back to the many pets I’ve had. Always a dog, and sometimes other things like fish, frogs, and rabbits. I felt connected to each one for different reasons, but there was always a connection. Perhaps it was caring for something that couldn’t take care of itself while in captivity. And with a dog, oh there are so many reasons to feel the love. You are their entire world.

I’ve often spent time pondering the simplicity of the dog’s mind. I mean, they stare for hours and sleep a lot of the day. Take the Labrador Retriever for instance. They run and play and chase rabbits and sometimes cause great frustration, but they are absolutely committed to pleasing us. I’ve always felt like that is their sole purpose in life. They are the ultimate companion, never complaining, always happy to see us.

I’ve felt guilty on walks before, knowing that my dog laid around most of that day and is getting a 30-minute walk. That is 30 minutes out of the long day to have something fun to do. How would that feel to a human? We would go crazy and hold grudges. But their mind is so simple, they are just happy to be with you outside on a walk and they will be happy to go back inside afterwards to lay down by you for the rest of the day. That is the simple mind.

I will never forget losing my first lab Jack. I didn’t know I could feel such heartbreak. He was the only one in my life who had never hurt my feelings. He was always by my side. He didn’t care if I was crabby or forgot to feed him or didn’t walk him on a rainy day. He was always there looking at me with his big eyes, ready to be anything I needed him to be in that moment. Always full of affection and love.

Someone once told me that a pet is the closest thing to having God in your life. The unwavering, unconditional love. That thought resonates with me. When I’m sad, I snuggle my dog. When I’m happy, I snuggle my dog. When I’m lonely, I snuggle my dog. He never has other plans or is too busy for me. He is the one constant in my life. When you have that reliable companionship, it’s easy to take it for granted. But once it is taken from you, oh the heartache can be unbearable.

This month let’s try to quiet our minds to a simpler state of being. Instead of overthinking and making up negative stories in our minds that cause us all kinds of stress, let’s think like a dog and keep thoughts simple and happy. And snuggle your dog for reminding you every day that you are always loved.

Lisa Payne writes about home, food, and family. You can reach her at paynefam6@gmail.com.