I miss Willie. Last week I sat by his grave and cried so hard I couldn’t breathe. There are a lot of reasons that I miss him, but the biggest one is that he was one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever known. Here’s what I wrote about dogs and happiness in For the Love of a Dog, Chapter 7, page 217:
It’d been a hard day. Too many difficult cases with heart-broken owners and dangerous dogs. Too many computer glitches and pens that ran out of ink. We all have our own versions of it, but everyone knows what it feels like to have a tough day. I remember walking into the farmhouse exhausted and depressed, burdened by the day behind me, tired from thinking about the chores that lay ahead. There were dogs to feed and walk, sheep to grain and water, baby lambs who needed bottle feeding and a fence crunched by a fallen tree that needed repair before the ram ended up on the highway and I ended up in a whole lot of trouble.
That wasn’t all. Pip had a litter of puppies, five weeks old now, and big enough to have overwhelmed their mom’s efforts to clean up after them. I can’t stand puppies in a dirty pen, so after I fed the adult dogs I turned, with a weary sigh, to cleaning up dirty towels and sprucing up the puppy pen. As I tried to move the towels from underneath them, they began to try to grab a hold of them and play tug of war. Too tired to be charmed, I gently pushed them aside. Everyone who’s raised a young puppy knows how long that lasted. One of the pups, Rosie, continued the game with particular exuberance. Shiny-eyed and sparkling with glee, she’d leap onto the towel as I tried to pull it away, like a coyote stabbing her forelegs onto a mouse in the grass. Rosie’s efforts were so endearing that I couldn’t help but laugh. I forgot about the chores for a while, and began to play with her intentionally.
As we played, Rosie seemed not just overcome with happiness; she seemed to be happiness itself. Her little face radiated so much joy that within minutes I wasn’t just playing with Rosie, I was playing with the same cheerful abandon as she was. All my worries about clients and chores were forgotten. I laughed so hard I almost cried, while Rosie tried out her newly found athletic abilities, leaping and spinning—sort of—on my lap. Her efforts often ended in abject failure—she’d fall over sideways or topple backwards mid-spin—but her face never lost its look of pure, unmitigated joy. It makes me happy just writing about it. It made me happy all the rest of that night, when carrying water and dragging trees off of fences became a pleasure, rather than a chore.
I can’t count the number of times that the happiness of a dog has flowed in my direction, but it’s one of the reasons I have dogs. Surely, it’s one of the reasons we all have dogs. We don’t spend nine billion dollars a year on dog food just to have dog hair all over our couches. Dogs may guard our houses and herd our sheep, but that’s not the primary reason we have them. Dogs make us happy, because if dogs do anything well, it’s being happy themselves, and happiness—bless it—is catching.
The fact is, some dogs radiate happiness more than others. I am a lucky, lucky woman, because even though Willie is gone, I still have Maggie. Maggie’s happy face is as happy as happy can be. Of course, like all dogs, that’s not the only face she has–she’s as expressive as any dog I’ve ever had, and her Valley Girl Pout Face could get her a job in Hollywood. But her happiness is contagious, as happiness often is.
That day, after I stood up over Willie grave, the ground now a riot of pinks and oranges from the zinnia’s I planted, I dried my tears, took a breath and walked back to the house. And there was Maggie, eyes glowing with joy, dropping her favorite toy at my feet and looking up in dopamine-charged anticipation of the game to come. I picked up her rubber stick, and lost myself in the moment.
I would love to hear your stories of how and when a dog has brought you a special moment of happiness. I’m sure we all would.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Speaking of happiness, Maggie ran on our first “Open course” in Minnesota this weekend, and I left feeling pretty darn happy. Not after the first day, when Maggie and I were both overwhelmed by running for the first time on such a huge course. (The sheep were set about 350 yards away–that is way, way farther than you might think. Your dog is a tiny little dot by the time they get to the back of the sheep.) She was intimidated and let the sheep take charge, I was an idiot and couldn’t think straight and so got DQ’d. BUT, she did a lovely outrun and found her sheep without any extra cues, so that in itself was a victory. (Days before at practice she had not been able to do that.)
Our next run the second day contained some errors, but Maggie put her big girl pants on and took charge of the sheep. She did a lovely outrun, handled the sheep well on the fetch, and we completed both the drive and got the sheep in the pen. Most of the points off were handler errors, all on me, but she was hesitant on the cross drive, as she often is. Given that we were competing against people and dogs who have run in Open for years, I was truly happy at our first Open course outing. Our score of 62 wasn’t a good score (70’s are good scores, 80’s are great, all out of 100), but it wasn’t a bad one either, and plenty of dogs couldn’t complete the course. So–happiness!
More happiness: Last fall I planted Bee Balm beside our living room window, because I knew it would attract hummingbirds. Sure enough, the hummers come all day long to fuel their hyper metabolism. I took these photos sitting on the living room couch–laziest nature photography ever.
Look closely, really closely at the photo below, and you can see a tiny white line leading into a flower–that’s the tongue of this female ruby-throated hummingbird who is nesting nearby.
I got to watch a male do his dramatic courtship dance while weeding in one of the gardens. If you haven’t seen it in person, check it out; it’s awesome.
I included this photo because it illustrates the wing action that allows hummingbirds to hover–their wings actually describe a figure eight. Watch the slow-mo video, it’s way cool.
“I haven’t seen a tree frog yet this summer” I said to myself a few days ago. And then look who showed up in my hibiscus bush.
The universe provides. What is it providing you this week?
LisaW says
“The universe provides. What is it providing you this week?” Y’all!
I’m at work, shh, don’t tell. And this morning, I have been feeling overwhelmingly depressed about the horrific and unending onslaught 45 is hammering on our heads day after day. I feel pummeled. This last Cummings/Baltimore sludge of words really got to me. I am heartbroken and a little despondent feeling like this will never end.
Then, I open your blog and see Willie’s picture and smile almost involuntarily. So good to see him, and the title made me smile even more deeply. Thank you a hundred times over.
Now turning away from my gloom, I am thinking of Olive’s broad face smiling at me as I throw her ball for her. We play an ever increasingly gentle game of fetch each night after she eats and before we do. It’s her favorite time of day and mine, too. She loves the quiet and coolness and rhythm of fetch. Her little stump-tail wiggles as fast as the hummingbird’s wings. She’s elated.
Over the years, she has learned to smile, a broad and gummy grin. I love it. She also has a look that says, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” If she could raise one eyebrow, she would. In these moments, her disdain is palpable and that makes me smile, too.
Your photos are also making me smile. You have a knack for capturing a moment so beautifully.
The other thing that has me smiling is the tallest sunflower I’ve ever seen. It’s a volunteer from last year’s seeds and has grown to over 10 feet tall! It’s a heliotrope and so moves with the sun. There is now a big flower on top attracting bees and multiple buds about to burst. We’ve been supporting it’s 3″ diameter stalk in hopes that as the flowers bud out, it can hold up to the weight.
You and this community are my support system today. I feel more able to hold myself up under the weight of the tyrant’s rants. Thank you!
Trisha says
Thank you universe, for providing us all LisaW! I’m smiling now too . . .
Jim says
Adopting a white dog and realizing your cars black interior will never be the same again (and not caring) 🙂
Trisha says
Spit take. Now I have to clean off my laptop screen.
Timaran says
Realizing that I will spend forever with windows that I can’t see out of due to “nose art.” And not caring about that, either. 😀
Barbara says
There is a path through the woods not far from where we live that our dog, Rocky and I love to take. This particular path has a lot of exposed tree roots and normally I’m pretty careful where I step. I’m not the most graceful person however, and darned if one day a root just popped up and snagged my foot while we were enjoying a walk. I pitched forward and lay sprawled like I had just slid into first base. One minute we’re happily appreciating nature and the next I’m flat on the ground gazing into my dog’s eyes. I will never forget the expression of pure astonishment on Rocky’ s face. If he could talk he would have said, ‘what the heck just happened here?’ (the polite version of WTF?) Seeing the comical look on his face, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. I felt like crying but then the tail wagging and face licking began in earnest. It’s hard to be upset when you’re bombarded with doggie kisses. We just sat there awhile comforting each other. When you’re in your sixties, you don’t just pop right back up after taking a tumble. Aside from two scratched and bloodied palms and a bruised knee, we made our way back home. I am so grateful Rocky was with me that day. I was hurting but he really did help cheer me up!
Nic1 says
Lovely post Trisha and LisaW too. 😊
I read that grief is like a ball in a box with a grief button.
https://twitter.com/LaurenHerschel/status/946887540732149760?s=20
When we lose someone we love, that ball is so big it’s always touching the button, and when it does it is triggering pain and sorrow. Gradually, with time, the ball begins to shrink in size so that when we are moved, it occasionally bounces off the button, triggering the intense grief we felt the day we lost them. I don’t think we ever get over losing our dogs, but we learn to accept their passing. Having other dogs in our lives is such a privilege and a pleasure.
The universe brought us an incompetent and pretty disgraceful PM and new right wing cabinet this week who seem to be hell bent on the UK crashing out of the EU. However, I am volunteering for a charity who are training service dogs for hearing loss and have had the intense pleasure of looking after a 16 week puppy for a week. It took me about two days to fall in love with her and every time I say goodbye to one, I cry 😢. Dogs are so easy to love, people are a little harder.
lak says
Finding my dog waiting for me early in the morning when I leave my ICU unit to go home and sleep. She naps all day next to my bed, wakes me with a wet nose in the face and dog smile, then jumps for joy when I grab my shoes for a walk. All other thoughts leave my mind. Great blog!
Bruce says
I like “nose art”. One of my buddies rode in my car and, completely deadpan, said, “Bruce, I think you should stop pressing your cold, wet nose against the windows.”
Took Red Dog out for a round of disc golf (or, from her perspective, a 2-hour hike in the woods). Hot day so after the round I took her for a dip in the river, camera slung over my shoulder. There was one almost-good picture of Red Dog leaping out of the river with a look of pure joy. Sadly, completely out of focus. But I’ll keep it anyway.
Very cool hummingbird pics!
Dawn Schuetz says
Faith is providing for me this week. Faith that love will triumph over hate and cruelty. I also am committed to doing my part. My part is advocating for those who are marginalized. I volunteer to aid people and dogs in need of rescue. When the day is done my two dogs make me smile and laugh fill up with more faith, and hope, so that I can forge ahead for another day.
Silke-Ryka says
I am often in a lot of pain which is quite overwhelming, especially at night, and makes me sad and stressed. When this happens my assistance dog in training Nate starts to play ‘tease’. He pulls the cushion from underneath my head, puts it on my chest, then puts his head on top and licks my face. Or he crawls underneath the blanket and wags enthusiastically. Nate has got that playful, funny expression on his face while doing all of this and that makes me laugh a lot. It feels like we both laugh together. So then I get much better and I am very gratefull for having him.
DianaR says
My Shiba Inu is my Prozac, my martini at lunch, my joy. No need for anything else., She is a drug that works fine for me and, when she is happy, I am FLYING!
Bgarbarino says
I was anxious to read everyone’s contributions to the “Happiness Train” but was immediately sent in the opposite direction when the first post I read had such strong negative political overtones. This has been the one social media site where I could escape from the hateful political discourse of the day. I’m so sad that that’s no longer the case. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer.” I’m hoping we can get back to being a positive ”politics free” discussion group.
Anne says
I was just sitting here at my computer this morning and Pepper, my Aussie, came over to lay her head in my lap, like she does all the time. I scratched her ears and sang her a silly song and she looked up at me like it was the best thing she ever heard. Dogs don’t care that you can’t sing as long as their name is in your song.
Barb M says
This week the universe has offered further proof that my 14 month old rescue is just “hypersocial” rather than a dog who can’t be around other dogs. She successfully navigated meeting two new playmates this week and oh, the joy on her face when she gets space to run and play. Makes me smile just thinking about it. I’m so grateful that she’s brought her youthful energy and comedic behavior into our lives.
Minnesota Mary says
My sweet elder husky who was my hospice volunteer partner for 7 years was humanely euthanized last Friday. His happiness was my mainstay for many years. He was magic when ministering to people who were dying (and those who weren’t). His favorite girlfriend in the ‘hood was a 5lb Yorkie with whom his 60lb self was so gentle. I’m finding peace with the hole in my life, which will never go away. I’m learning to live with it because he had the BEST life. A life with purpose and joy in his job. Now my younger husky and I are bonding and he’s learning what it takes to pass the TDI evaluation. In a month or so I’ll be looking for another dog to adopt (I like to have two in the house that are mine, plus a foster dog). Nose art is the norm on every window in my house and car as is fur on my furniture and clothing. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Margarita palacio says
Trish
I both love and dread when I get alerted that you have posted something new.
My heart breaks anew because I too cry over my sweet boy and how much I miss him.
My heart soars when I see one of your pups bring you Joy.
My current boy does the same for me but I’ll never not sadden when I think of my first Love.
Keep those post coming, they are Lifesavers. 💞
Sarah Doyi says
I decided to begin dog training when several people remarked about how happy Sabbath is. She’s always insisted on happiness for us both. Our walks together are quiet joy. As she scampers down the aisle of Tractor Supply or jumps to put her front feet on the post office counter for treats, her happiness is shared with more than just me. We are about to begin Sabbath’s tenth year as a therapy dog in a school where she is adored. She often brings joy reaching the sun when she plays “find you” with her special needs children and finds that weeks’ chosen one hiding behind the teacher’s desk.
Teddy says
I love this blog post, too. We put our last-of-a-pack-of-three-dogs to sleep mid-April, and I have been exhausted and sick ever since. (She – and we – had a very arduous final four months.) Finally, my husband pronounced me “pathetic” without a dog, and we adopted a 4-month-old Lab mix puppy. OH BOY!!! My virus-illness symptoms almost immediately dissipated, and new happiness has arrived – despite all the intensity and busy-ness of minding a pup. But the butt-tucking is back, and the innocent little face looking up from a shredded paper bag, and the exuberant puppy-prance when she nabs a shoe or slipper make us laugh and joke around again. As for the departed dogs from the first pack, I feel like they are coaching all of us from the surrounding ether, teaching humans and pup what makes each other tick. It brings them closer. (If it’s “all in my head,” I’ll take it.) (I suspect it’s not.)
Cathy says
So beautifully said! My Seamus will turn 13 in about a month and is blessedly in good health. (He looks very much like your Maggie.) Yesterday while playing soccer with him and my 3-year-old BC (equally adorable), my heart filled almost to bursting. The joy on his face as he bounced at that ball and made it move, and his little sister Caelyn in herding mode, always fascinated with everything big brother does worked their magic on my worries of the day. I was so grateful to be in that space and time with them. Inside the house when he picks up his favorite squeak toy and goes on for ten minutes at a time, I never get annoyed by the noise. I am just so thankful for the joy he gets from squeaking “French bread”. (Yes, his toy is shaped life a small loaf of French bread complete with beret) His joy becomes mine.
Adrienne K. says
When we suddenly lost our French Bulldog Daisy in July, 2014 my husband and I were devastated. At that time he could not conceive of going through that heart break once again even though we were dog owners for decades; I, on the other hand, could not imagine life without a dog’s love. Some time after Daisy’s passing my husband felt ready and we got what we know is our last dog. Zasu brings us so much love and makes us smile all the time. I always say she is the icing on the cake. Zasu plays hard and loves hard. She has ruined the arm of my purple leather couch by jumping up to her favorite spot – and that makes me smile because it is so worth it.
Charisse Andrews says
I had a dog, a heart dog. I have loved every one of my dogs, but this one was connected to me in so many ways, in a different way, in my heart, in my soul, in my mind. I still grieve her such that more than a year later, I cannot bear to open the cards sent to me, or to move the box with her ashes. Here is a link to Whitley…http://whimsicalhomeandgarden.com/whitley-2/
Sarah says
I have a 10-month old sheltie, Angus, who is my joy. We have been thru a rough stretch with my work being overwhelming, but he is always there with silliness and sweetness, to make me forget. And, to reinforce that everyone in the house feels better with proper exercise! Don’t neglect a sheltie-puppy’s walks! Motivates me to self-care, masked as Angus-care.
I read this last night, next to sleeping dog and partner, and cried the happiest and saddest tears. Remembering the joy of our old boys, and the joy of this new one. Gratitude for the gift of dogs in my life. Thank you for the beautiful post.
HFR says
Wonderful photos of the birds. I’m one of those weird people who doesn’t love hummingbirds because they remind me of flying insects. But these make me appreciate their beauty. Some things you just have to slow down to appreciate.
I call it the Moment of Bliss Caused by a Dog. I have a few. Snapshots in my head. Two were with my first dog as an adult. I had gone away for the weekend and just got back and picked her up from my friends house. As we walked down the street toward Central Park she suddenly jumped in front of me and started tugging on the leash in a play bow as if to say “I’m so glad you are back!” and it hit me. The warm fuzzy joy of realizing that that moment was special.
The next time was with the same dog. We took a nap on a lovely early spring Saturday afternoon. The windows open and the a breeze blowing the curtains. As I drifted off to sleep she lay next to me on her side my arm draped over her chest. A moment of true bliss.
The next time was much more definitive. I was at a wedding in California on September 9, 2001. My next dog was staying with a friend of mine. My flight was for September 11th. Obviously, flight never took off and I was stranded in California for a week. Clearly, given the horror that had happened, I knew I shouldn’t complain. But it is torture when something like that happens and all you want to do is get home and you just can’t.
I finally got a flight that landed at JFK at 1:30 a.m. I told my friend to leave her apt door unlocked and the leash by the door, cuz I was coming to get my dog no matter what. I picked her up about 3 a.m. and my knees just buckled in the hallway of her apartment building and I sat on the floor and cried while my dog was jumping with joy and wiggling her butt and climbing all over me. Just what I needed.
It’s their ability to live in the moment and not think about how they are supposed to act. Do dogs even have bad moods? I know we do and they are the best at scoffing at us and saying in their way, get over it!
Lynn U says
I got Tesla, my blue merle Aussie, when my 20-year relationship was falling apart. I was heart-broken, but there was my Little Wiggly Dude, who I describe as being constructed out of fur and happiness. He simply radiates joy, and goes through the world looking for people to reel in with a grin and a wiggle and a stare from his pretty blue eyes. His infectious joy got me through hard times, and I sometimes feel, with the world as hard as it is, that I should make a sign that says “yes, you can pet my dog” and sit out with him so that he can spread his sweet and mischievous joy to the wider world.
Vicki says
When I lost the love of my life, my soul dog Shelly, I didn’t think the wound would ever be healed. It has been 5 years now and a day does not go by when I don’t think of her and remember all the things we experienced in our 10 years together. She saved me from so many things and many more bad decisions. All because she loved me and I was her person. my favorite quote “Saving one animal won’t make a difference in the world, but it will make a world of difference to that one animal.” Shelly was a rescue who had a hard life and was pretty shut down. She never became the happiest or most trusting dog. But she grew to love who she loved. Me first and foremost. Currently, Bo (the happiest poodle in the world), or as I like to call him the Dennis the Menace of the poodle world: picture him with ripped jeans, covered in dirt with a baseball cap on backwards. That is my rescued, white poodle mix, Bo. I had always read a young dog can bring out the puppy in an older dog. In Shelly’s case I have to say no, that was not the case. But Bo loves hard and Shelly was who he wanted to love. When we said goodbye to Shelly, Bo who was there, couldn’t seem to figure out where she went. First thing in the door he ran to the bed where she had spent most of her time near the end of her life. I decided Bo needed a play mate. Enter Jax, the cutest, ornery-est dog ever. Jax is all of 6 pounds but a big 6 pounds of attitude. He has zero interest in playing with Bo, or really anyone. But he is my little dude. Lets call him a cross between a party poodle and the incredible hulk? Also a rescue, also from a bad situation. But, that is where I shine. Give me a dog with a tough luck story and I am all in! All this to say, we have them such a short time in our life spans. But in their case, no matter how long, we are their everything. & sometimes our lifetime dog appears and become more than just a dog… Thanks Patricia for sharing your journey with all of us. So sorry I missed you when you were on Vashon Island. Next time?
Trisha says
I hear you Bgarbarino. I also avoid political ‘overtones’ (good word for it) but perhaps the post you’re referring to can remind us that, no matter our political perspective, the world feels pretty scary right now for so many reasons. Yet another reason to be grateful for dogs, yes?
Cathy Balliu says
Grats on your 62. Running in open is intimidating – you’re competing against all the big hats. But when you can trust your dog to do their part and you do yours: it’s heaven 🙂
Tony Soll says
I sing for young children, 2-5 and one song in particular activates my Izzy’s music button . She’s 12 1/2, quite active and has always seemed attentive to music- singing along with harmonicas and pennywhistles ,etc. Lately, she clearly recognizes songs with dog noises. One – “Dog in the School” has the kids singing the ABCs by barking. Every time she hears it, she sings along. Recently, she’s added “How Much is that Doggie in the window “ to her setlist. It’s hysterical because she’s so serious and pleased with herself when she does this and will now sing in public – even in the dog park.
Trisha says
Thanks! It’s hard to imagine until you stand at the post and can barely see the sheep. Intimidating indeed. But sort of like gambling isn’t it? One good run makes all the others worth it… Our next run will be doubly intimidating; the course is HUGE, UK size. If Maggie finds the sheep without an extra signal I’ll be really, really happy.
Ron Bevacqua,AA,BA,CDT says
I wanted to share with Trisha that I truly feel your pain about the lost of Willie. I had lost our Beau ( an amazing BC, too ) about 4 years ago . My wife and I still to this day cry thinking about how much happiness he brought to our lives.
I would surely get another BC but my wife ‘s health is my top priority after her lung cancer surgery. Being a professional dog trainer , I feel more than ever before that all my clients dogs are now mine,too. So , I now have hundreds of dogs in my life.
Sue says
My Jack Russell Terrier, Johnny Rocket, greeted me every morning with pure joy. He was the best reminder that everyday is a new day! And he was always up for an adventure. We are so lucky to have these individuals in our lives.
Karen from Oregon says
I think of Willy a lot. Last week I completed _The Education of Will_. Thanks for your openness in this book. Life is sure full of struggles! He was a blessing to you from above!
I almost had to put down my 10 year old Shih Tzu in March when she was diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition and the pain meds weren’t kicking in. It was breaking my heart…she’s all I have. But after much prayer she rallied and you would never know that she had been on death’s door. To see her play bow, prance around and toss her toys brings me such delight! When she comes in from walks and I take her harness off, she loves to get on her back and wiggle in the carpet. I hope she continues to feel good for a long time to come. Life has not been easy for her. She was diagnosed with Megaesophugus as a pup and had 8 episodes of HGE at the age of 3. She hasn’t been vaccinated in years because she had a bad reaction to the last one. Her sweetness and intelligence and eager to please attitude make her the best dog I’ve ever had!
Nancy Kraft says
I had an ah..ha moment in thinking about this. I had three dogs at one time, all rescues. My first was happy, even in his sleep he was happy. I was happy every moment with him. My second was a social butterfly, happiest when she was with people working as a therapy dog. This introvert had to step into the world to give her what she needed giving me what I needed. My third is a worrier. I love him dearly but I have to treasure his happy moments because they are fast and fading. Four years of neglect has left him concerned that I may forget to feed him, never, bring him in, never or fill his water dish, never. My first two have passed in the last couple years and I find myself reflecting my worrier’s concerns more all the time. I am less joyful, less social and more anxious. I thought it was because of my losses but now I am thinking in addition I am becoming my dog. Time to add to the pack.
Tracey S. says
In 8 months time, I have lost 3 cats and 1 dog. When I took Gracie, The Grey, 17+ years old to the vet in April to help her go, the vet said she understood having several go in such a short period of time, so she spreads out adopting new animals so their ages are spread out. Despite my hurt, I am foster a Doberman from a neglect case/drug overdose where over 14o animals were seized. I am/was training this Doberman to work in a school, since he would be bigger than the little Chihuahua that is trained now and evaluated with a complex rate – the best for this work; her training done prior to school board approval, but done the way instructed by super. Unfortunately, I got the news that they do not want to compensate me for the costs involved, so have been really bummed and heartbroken for another dream to die. The Doberman knows something is not right and he comes to me, leans on me, and lets me lean back – it helps!
Christine says
It took a long time that I could listen to the old time jazz which my deseased husband loved so much. But one day I could not withstand and prompt started crying. Suddenly I felt something warm on my cheek … it was my good Laufhund Tabasgo who was licking my tears away. It made me smile and I had to cuddle him for his sensitivity!
Mary says
When my last kids (twins) went off to college, I found that I was totally lost. I’d been an at-home mom for 22 years (!!) and now they were gone. Then we got a sweet, wonderful Westie (West Highland White “Terrorist” according to my husband.) Abby was spunky, fun and I was her person. We would nap in my chair together, run around the back yard and suddenly my life was full again. Abby was my ❤️dog, and we had her for 12 years. I’d had other dogs, but Abby was special. The thing about this girl that I will always be grateful for: I was diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma in 2011. She was MY watchdog! She was with me constantly, and if a dog could be a nurse, Abby was! I was put in a research study, and I got the “good drugs.” My body, however, did not like the immunotherapy, and I almost died. Abby was right there, by my side. For some reason, I began to get better…here it is 2019, and I am still alive. Abby got me through cancer. But as I got better, Abby began to decline. Our vet wanted to do exploratory surgery, but I didn’t want to put her through that. She became our Angel puppy. Her death hit me very hard. I don’t know that I’ll ever get over her, even though we’ve had other puppies since. I like to think that Abby is at the Rainbow Bridge, checking on me periodically, making sure that I am good. Even though her death was sad, knowing she is watching over me makes me so happy!
Hannah says
This is one of the reasons I rescue and foster. To watch a dog that has been beat down and is scared of the world slowly learn what joy is, and then lean into that joy with total abandon, makes me feel like I can overcome anything in my life. For my current dog (and my heart dog) it took over a year before I saw that joyous spark of recognition that her new life comes with a full bowl every night, (almost) all the belly rubs she could ever want and a human of her very own. Now she runs around with the most ridiculous smile on her face and adorable hop in her step. Dogs are precious.
Grace says
My first year of agility training with my now 5YO Basenji was in a long narrow room. Such a hard thing for my dog to tune out all the other humans with their dogs on leash sitting around the perimeter, he often did a few obstacles with me before dashing over to visit the nearest dog. So for our next run I put a leash on him that I could drop before he approached each obstacle & pick up after to prevent him from running off. I got him in a sit-stay at the start, walked between first & second jumps, & released him. He cleared the first jump but the leash handle snagged on the jump cup so he dragged that jump into the second jump, which he also cleared, so had 2 jumps following him when he entered the tunnel. After we got everything untangled & he came out the other end of the tunnel, he had his happy face on. “That was fun Mom, can we do that again?!” We outgrew the room, and he’s too distracted by EVERYTHING to compete, but we love doing agility in the back yard, and that gives ME a happy face.
Kat says
This photo makes me happy. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/6316849129/in/album-72157627938760349/ This is Finna the day we adopted her. It makes me happy because it has been nearly eight years since we’ve seen this dog. The dog we see at home today is relaxed and happy. Today Finna is everything this photo is not. She didn’t know how to play or smile or safely navigate any part of her world in this photo. Now she can smile even when I’m asking her to do something she finds a bit stressful. https://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/48393054151/in/album-72157627938760349/ Wearing silly hats isn’t something Finna particularly enjoys or even much likes but life is good and she’s willing to cooperate and pose for the silly pictures. That makes me happy.
Mary says
My border collie/Aussie takes her role as protector very seriously. Every time I sneeze, she runs in, pushes me down and lays her head on my chest until she’s sure I’m ok. Also, when I was having back problems, she would lie down on the floor even though she had better things to do…like lie on the couch.
Mary Ann Campbell says
My deaf girl Hanna can be a total pita with her barking at who knows what, her running in circles if one of the neighbors is out not quite getting close enough to catch her and just when I am about to lose my patience she begins her odd play moves with one of the foster dogs, or lets one of the little pups cuddle with her as she looks away like she doesn’t notice them and then she will come up to me and give me a determined scratch with her paw like awe, come on…just pet me and I may even snuggle with you. Every day, no matter what, she makes me smile!
Monika, Sam & Elsa says
May Willie’s spirit provide you with comfort especially when you need it.
Melanie Hawkes says
Thanks for this post. My last assistance dog’s name is Happy. He is always smiling. Everywhere we went people would comment about how happy he looked!
My current dog failed because of reactivity. I recently started him on a joint supplement for suspected pain and he has become a delight to live with again. He makes me laugh some days. One night I asked him to go to his bed and he jumped on my dining chair, sat down and gave me such a serious look as if to say “Well do I get a treat now?” We played a game yesterday where I go and hide a toy, release him to find it then I go to the other end of the house and he has to find me and bring it to me. He did it about 6 times in all new places. It makes me smile to realise how smart he is and that we can have fun and enjoy each other, despite his anxiety and pain.
Cori says
My girl Auburn, was Joy embodied. I was in a dark space when I got her. But she taught me day by day to find joy in every day moments. We’d go for our walks, she would turn and look at me, eyes shining, ears up, tongue-out grin saying “Isn’t this great? Life is so grand!” And I’d look back at her thinking you’re right. This moment here is wonderful.
Miss that dog everyday, and the mindfulness she brought.
Jay Wootten says
Yesterday morning, I was up at the soccer fields next door with Breeze, Beau the lunatic, and new rescue Mack. all border collies. Beau found a soccer ball left in the goal and proceeded to play with it for about 1/2 hour (I had to call it quits before he entered collapse syndrome). His monumental joy filled me as I watched him bat the ball around. He was so happy that it made me happy, too. Meanwhile, Breeze played ball with me and Mack, who is still tied to my waist, watched in amazement. Joy oh joy of dogs.
Gorgeous hummers, Trish!
amyfaith martin says
“Of course, like all dogs, that’s not the only face she has–she’s as expressive as any dog I’ve ever had, and her Valley Girl Pout Face could get her a job in Hollywood.” O my goodness- I am a retired dog trainer and have had many dogs in my both foster and my own. A year ago I adopted a little dog at 8 weeks. And Fred Rogers pouts as well. Just when I thought I knew dog body language, “Valley Girl Pout Face” is being taught to me by Fred. Fred, Maggie, and Maggie’s human have educated me and made me laugh. Thank you all. 🙂
Pat P says
So, I have a 10 month old rescue BC… and also I have sheep, but not sheep for *him*, because there are only four-plus-their-lambs and they are shetlands and have never been worked by a dog, so sheep and dog are intended to remain forever separate… but today the BC found a weak spot of fencing and got into the sheep field. Where he was hysterically overjoyed to discover his True Destiny, that being: Eating Sheep Poo!!! All the Sheep Poo!! Everywhere!!! That was my big happiness for the day, watching him run around almost oblivious to the actual sheep, awestruck and joyous at the prospect of an entire field studded with sheep poo! He was actually really easy to catch (which he often isn’t) because he was so happy, he just stood there smiling at me when I came up and leashed him. His expression was very clearly saying “wow mom, can you believe this cool new thing I’ve found? Can you believe it? How can life be so great?!”
CJ in Canada says
Glad to be in such good company of dog-people – my now 10 yr old Aussie girl was added as a puppy to make sure I had to get out and be active everyday to keep the winter blues away. She’s done this with great panache, and her adopted BC puppy brother is doing his level best to convince me to be a morning person. Every day they’ll do something silly to make me laugh, or delightfully remind me of how bright they are. The joy my BC gets from stealing my slipper ever morning and then bouncing away with glee is a pretty good way to start the day. He’s terrifically charming at waking people by putting his nose on your eyelid and breathing until you open your eyes to his chipper face (the Aussie understands the art of sleeping in – she jumps on every rock or ledge on walks instead to be rewarded).
Trisha says
Oh Pat, I’m still laughing at the Sheep Poo discovery of the decade. I’ve seen it so often myself, when dogs come to visit, and either eat or roll in it with abandon and the same facial expression that you describe. It’s like I fell into the shallow end of a pool of chocolate.
jen says
You must be familiar with Alexandra Horowitz’s writing? Here is a lovely essay recently published in the New York Times- a smile now, and perhaps a blog topic later?
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/02/opinion/sunday/talking-dog.html
Diane Mattson says
Bridget’s absolute joy and excitement every morning. We’re up. Yippee. New day, and most important, breakfast!
And Christmas morning. Bridget adores Christmas, and wakes up early, poking at us like a kid. She gets presents and some turkey, and she knows when it’s Christmas Eve.
Okay, this is a story of my naughty terrier from when I was a teen, back in late 70s. Gig enjoyed fighting other dogs, if they were male and larger than him. He got along fine with smaller dogs and females. He wasn’t fearful, he just really enjoyed it which made walks challenging, especially back then when neighbourhood dogs ran free. There was a shepherd cross that ran loose, and Gig and this dog hated each other. I was always on alert for this dog and dragging Gig away. He could be anywhere, so it wasn’t easy to avoid him.
One day, Gig escaped our yard. I remember frantically searching for him. Fortunately, my dad found him, and all was well. Next time I took Gig for a walk, we ran into his nemesis. That shepherd cross took one look at Gig and fled. Gig just strutted past, looking so pleased with himself. I now knew what he was doing on the day he escaped us! It just makes me smile to this day, because of that happy strut. I mean, I didn’t want him fighting, but that other dog was so annoying, and continued to flee every time we ran into him, and Gig was so happy, you just had to feel proud with him.
Barbara says
I’d like to thank Jen for recommending that interesting and amusing Horowitz article. Yes, I could see some aspect of that as a blog topic. What say you, Trisha? 👍or👎
Kerry says
My two dogs put so many smiles on my face. My quiet lab/beagle mix does a happy dance. Recently he thought I had left after I did some car moving in the driveway. When he came in and realized I was still in the kitchen he did the best happy dance across the room, surprised and Overjoyed that I had not left. My Aussie mix on the other hand is always exuberant and happy to see everyone. Last week he gently herded a puppy back to its owner at the off leash area. We were all laughing and the owner didn’t get his puppy on a leash so my Aussie has to perform again. He pranced around wagging his tail and making the cute C with his body. He looks me in the eye and we nod at each other. Very occasionally I let him round up unruly dogs at the river. No one but he and I are the wiser when the owners looks down to see their pups have returned. Grady always looks to me for his atta boy, get your ball, time to go. Your post reminds me to enjoy and cherish these moments and to smile at the more annoying ones too. Dogs will be dogs.
Trisha says
I loved the article too!
soyoung says
seeing my paco running on the beach, legs akimbo, gives me life. i am not sure what the physics are of him running forward at full speed, with all his legs flying in all different directions at once, but i guess it doesn’t really matter how it happens… it just makes me laugh. :o)
JOAN L LINDBERG says
I convinced our collie rescue group (Minnesota Wisconsin Collie Rescue) to bring in a “collie mix” from a southern MN shelter. Turns out he doesn’t look much like a collie He’s been with me about three weeks now. Just yesterday I was thinking, my 6 year old sable/white male collie is my strength (he is big and tall and handsome and very bonded to me), my 5 year old tri-color collie is my beauty..simply because she is…but this puppy is my JOY. Just watching him interact with the older two makes me laugh out loud at times. Bless these animals of ours.