Have fun everyday! A lesson from my dog

How many of you have pets? Here's a snapshot of my dog Black Jack, a 6 year old German Shepherd, yes, he is a German Shepherd even with that handsome all black coat. This is the dog of dogs. He has turned non-dog lovers into someone thinking about getting one for themselves(!). He's a bit of a doggie hero actually... he helped me to capture a little Sheltie that had escaped its owner and lived wild in and around our woods for about 3 weeks. It was through Black Jack's attitude towards life that this little Sheltie avoiding all human contact was lured in and brought back safely to its owner. And what is that attitude? PLAY, PLAY, PLAY. What ELSE is life for???!!??

So, as I get lost in the demands of everyday life, running a household and my own photography business, helping a sister that is battling cancer, being a volunteer big sister with Big Bros./Sis, and host mom to foreign exchange high school students...and... well, you know, I'm sure you have it too... stuff to do all the time... Black Jack makes a demand too... to play.

This sometimes not so timely or welcome reminder from my dog while I'm in the middle of something, as I usually am, puts things into perspective for me. He's my buddy, such a good boy, and all he wants from me is to take time to throw the frisbee, or go for a walk or ride, maybe even just to sit outside with the sun warm on us... it's the little things that make him ecstatic, while I am constantly in the middle of reaching for the next great thing to come. Hmmm, maybe I am already AT the next great thing, like, right now. A close and loving family, many great friends and activities to keep life interesting, a comfortable home that my husband and I built with our own hands, nature surrounding us, "working" at something I love every day, with great clients. And it takes my DOG to remind me of all this, really look at it and realize I was forgetting to enjoy it and have fun every day.

Do you have that member of your family that loves you with no demand but for food,water and your attention? Is it a dog, cat... bunny... ferret...or ? Does he or she look into your eyes with that evertrusting "you are everything to me" look, and make you slow down for a moment and live in the moment? I'd love to hear about your pet and how they make you see things differently.

Bonnie

(Pet Portraits Days: Nov. 20 & 21, 2009, http://www.bstpierrestudio.com/, "Theme Portraits")