Two weeks ago, I met the sweetest little soul, a dog named Winnie. She came to stay with me while her mom went to Italy for 2 weeks. She quickly became my little sidekick and went almost everywhere with me. The day Winnie had to go home, my heart felt heavy. I was close to tears most the day and when I could, I let myself cry and cry. I felt a deep sadness that truly surprised me.
I had no idea of the impact of what this dog-sitting experience would bring, I was simply helping out a friend. I felt emotions that I haven’t felt in a long time and I find it curious how this tiny being had such a big effect on my heart in a short time.
Here’s what I have learned about myself and LIFE from little Winnie:
I am much more nurturing than I realized. Having a small, innocent being dependent on you is a big deal, and you just step up. You just do. My inner mama bear was awakened. I was ready to throw myself in front of a car, a bike, a dog for her…
Unconditional love is a thing. She was a little stinky and had the worst breath ever but I didn’t care. She pooped in the house a few times. One time, I even stepped in it at 2 am! But one look at that face and, no worries. I was more worried about her digestive distress than my foot.
Trust. She was so small yet she fully surrendered to me even though she didn’t know me.
Sacrifice is worth it sometimes. I didn’t get as much sleep as usual. Some nights I had to get up at 4 am to take her out. Waking up early to take her for a walk and foregoing my usual routine.
Forgiveness. Mistakes are inevitable and I had to forgive myself and move on. She was so tiny and sometimes I forgot she wasn’t as agile as a cat : ( I was doing my best and learning along the way and thank goodness she forgave me too.
I was feeling all my feelings …joy, worry, love, happiness, and sadness when she had to go.
This all leads me to question how I’ve been living my life. Maybe I’ve been playing things too safe and easy. I choose to have a cat because cats are easier than dogs. So I started thinking...are there other areas of my life where I am I choosing safe and easy? AND maybe I’m not experiencing as great a return of investment on JOY by keeping things safe and easy, By sidestepping the extreme spectrum of emotions and commitment. am I limiting myself from BIG JOY?
Oh gosh….Now I think I want a puppy.
