Not Your Average Lawyer

I have much to be grateful for....

I have decided that I need to write a gratitude journal. It will be a chronicle of all the people in my life and of all the random things in my daily existence of whom or of which I am eternally grateful. The symbol above is the symbol of gratitude. If you are the subject of this post, I offer it to you with an abiding and heartfelt thank you for gracing my life.







To Molly

I am grateful that we gave you a second chance at this life. From a family who, judging from your behaviour, in some parts loved you and in some parts mistreated you, you found your way to our home where there is always only love. Like most dogs, you give much more that you get. For your part, you get attention, walks, and food. For our parts, we get the unconditional feeling of being the most important person on earth during every moment you look into our eyes. You never see – or at least you never comment on – our faults and our failures. You never fail to give us attention and love whenever we seek it. You do much more for us than any other human being is willing to do.

We think of dogs as beneath the intelligent of human beings. But you, Molly, are the epitome of a wonderful teacher:

If a dog were your teacher
These are some of the lessons you might learn...

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face
to be pure ecstasy

When it's in your best interest
practice obedience
Let others know when they've invaded your territory
Take naps and stretch before rising
Run romp and play daily

Thrive on attention and let people touch you
Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do
On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass
On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body

No matter how often you're scolded
don't buy into the guilt thing and pout
run right back and make friends

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
Stop when you have had enough
Be loyal
Never pretend to be something you're not

If what you want lies buried
dig until you find it
When someone is having a bad day
be silent .....
...sit close by.

...and nuzzle them gently.

Thank you, Molly, for sitting close by and nuzzling me gently on those bad days. For that I am grateful.