It's All Relative

Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. They were there when I was growing up and they were an absolute essential when I moved out on my own. As far as I can recall, there was never more than a three or four month stretch when I didn't have a dog in my home. Those times (without) were mostly about my own healing time when one or the other left the planet for that place on the other side of the Bridge. All I'm saying is, I've almost always had a dog. Don't like life without 'em. They just bring too much Joy to deny myself, ya know? Anywayz.....

Lately there've been some outside influences that have made me more aware of just how prejudiced some of us can be when it comes to the size of the dog. What I mean is, there are folks who've always had "big" dogs and don't get the whole "small dog" thing. I know about this particular prejudice. Used to be one of 'em.

That is, until I met Bruzer.

A short aside: for those of you who have been here before, you know who he is. For those of you who haven't, you might like to step back and have a look. The most recent posting about Bruzer was in April. He's the curly little guy with eyes brighter than the moon.

When I was first introduced to the BruzerBoy, I was quite put off. I'd never had a "small" dog and had never understood why anyone would. To me they were mostly just a lot of noise without the benefit of bad-ass. What good was a dog if it couldn't protect me? What good was the dog if it was just going to make a bunch of noise, jump on everyone who walked through the door, eat, poop, and never "earn" its keep? Such was the mentality of this "dog lover".

GEEZ.

But time and evolution have their way of teaching and I am no exception (praise the gods!). The kind, more evolved woman who called me to meet him knew that we were meant to be. Throughout our very short time together, that Critter taught me more about life, and myself, and Joy than any other Critter I've ever known. Still, nearly six months after his passing, I cannot even begin to tell you how much his presence (and absence) have affected my life. And as each day passes I am more convinced that he remains; he is here, with us (that "us" would be myself and the "new" critter, whose name is Sophie) and guides me to more understanding, more patience, less judgment, less prejudice....simply put: MORE of the ME I am meant to be.

I pose this to you now because I believe there is a very important thing to learn by letting go of our preconceived notions about what is "big", what is "small", what is "useful". When we maintain these ideas of what any creature may or may not provide based on its size or gender or breeding, we lose the ability to see who they really are. And here's the kicker. If we do this with CRITTERS, do you suppose we do NOT do this with other Beings? Do you think that our biases are relegated to one species only? Do you really think that if you think a small dog is useless, that your opinions thereafter are limited to only that small dog? Can you see where there may be perceptions that are keeping you and those around you from the Joy of Who You Really Are?

Just wondering.

so many surprises!

There is no doubt in my mind that magick abounds. And sometimes the stuff of magick is so surprising it gives me huge tinglies. Best of all, the more I look for it, the more it shows itself. Everywhere!

One of those surprises came just recently when I asked my sister for some "help" as to what I might get her darling son for Christmas. He's 22 now and creating his own world. He's into motorcycles and fast cars. He's into electronic gadgets and games (are there any 'kids' who aren't???). He works at the Wild Animal Park and has for years. He's also about to graduate from college. But the only thing we (he and I) ever talk about is football. It's our one remaining common interest. He teases me about who I like and I take it with a smile; I know it's his form of affection. I can still remember the day I taught him to throw up his arms and holler "TOUCHDOWN". He was maybe 2 years old, barely able to do it without falling down. But every Sunday I was there, at their house, watching football and teaching him about the game. Good times.

Anyway, I asked my Sis what in the world he might like (besides all those high-ticket items). And here's when the surprise came. She said, "He's completely committed to feeding the children. ALL the children. He's got this idea that he can and WILL make a difference. So make a donation to a charity that feeds the children. It'll thrill him to pieces."

WHUT????

I had NO idea. None whatsoever. Now, first I must tell you that I don't see him all that much. I mean, he's 22! He's got his life and it doesn't include coming to visit his Tia. So, for the most part, I see him on holidays. Otherwise, not so much. Which is A-OK with me. I remember what it was like to be 22. And I lived far, far away from my whole family so I didn't see my aunts much either. So it's no surprise that I have no idea what he's doing or what he believes in. We just don't talk about that stuff, ya know?

When she told me this, I immediately teared up. I was so touched by this young man's huge heart. And that he chose children to commit his energies to. Just BEAUTIFUL! My Sis did a great job. She taught her children to give back right from the start. And now it's paying off. Bravo to ALL of them!

Anyway, I bring this up today because I thought it might be a good reminder to anyone who doesn't know what to get for someone on their "list". It can be ANY charity. I'd guess it would mean more (to the person you're giving the gift to) if you chose something that mattered to them. No matter how you do it, I'm sure there's someone out there who will appreciate the donation. It doesn't have to be much either. As much as you can afford. I think the minimum at Feed the Children is $5.00. All up to you. But it's just one more way to make a difference. One person at a time.

Happy Christmas!