Greetings,

"My husband and I are either going 
to buy a dog or have a child.
We can't decide whether to ruin our carpets 
or ruin our lives."
~ Rita Rudner

A little boy shows his class a picture that he has drawn of an old man and an ugly dog.

The bald, paunchy old man with the thick glasses is his grandfather, and the ugly, scrawny dog with its patchy fur, long tail and short legs is his grandfather's dog. His grandfather says his glasses are special glasses that allow him to see what's on the inside.  When he looks at his dog, he sees only kindness, loyalty and love. 

His grandfather sees through eyes of love.

This vignette on TV so warmed my heart, that I reached over to hug O and Freddy, who were snoozing nearby.  I love this heart-warming Chicken Soup for The Soul stuff.

I told DH that when I look at them, I see only beauty. Not bad for two "rejects." They were meant for us, as their beauty captivates me, taking my breath away, every day.

I must be wearing contacts that let me see what's on the inside of dogs, too, as through my eyes, I can only see sheer perfection. Inside O is playfulness, impossible cuteness, and unbridled joyfulness. Inside Freddy is affection, loyalty, and devotion. 

I am reminded that dog is God spelled backwards for good reason. They are heavenly creatures with an abundance of unconditional love.  

(For no good reasons, rats is star backwards and desserts is stressed backwards) 

What is man without the beasts? 
If all the beasts were gone, 
men would die from great loneliness of spirit. 
For whatever happens  to the beasts, 
soon happens to man. 
All things are connected. 
~Chief Seattle (Duwamish Tribe) 

I am grateful that they chose me and came into my life.  O and Freddy.  And their predecessors, Happy and Lucky.  Four out of four perfect dogs have provided for the deepest of my human needs, for love and companionship. They've also brought out the craziness and fun in me; with them, I just can't help:

• kissing them on their foreheads

• getting down on all fours with my butt up in the air, romping with them

• laughing my fool head off at their antics

• singing to them

• coming up with the most saccharine of endearments for them

• nodding wildly in agreement with "Happiness is a warm puppy." ~ Charles Schultz

Remember:  Adopt, Don't Shop.  Homeless animals end up in shelters every day, only to be euthanized simply because they are unwanted.  Besides, said Mordecai Siegal, "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative."

>> Puppy Mill Poem

Over ten years ago, a featured speaker at a regional meeting at The Newporter Hotel was Mark Victor Hansen.  This was pre- 1993, pre-Chicken Soup for The Soul. 

I was inspired and uplifted by him. Afterwards, we chatted briefly. He was as intriguing, exciting, and motivating off-stage, as he was on-stage.

WYSIWYG. 

I bought his books and tapes, and he graciously signed them. Through them, he continued to feed my soul with positive, profound thoughts for years thereafter.

Today, I thought of Mark as I watched the vignette on TV, and smiled, happy for his runaway success (he has walked his talk), happy for the lives his life has touched and uplifted, and happy for me, that in spite of life's challenges, I have grown neither cynical, nor bitter since our meeting.

My loving and "You go!"  wishes to Mark for his enduring work of elevating souls.

My heart continues to be warmed by stories like the one about the grandfather and his dog story, so warmly that I am impelled to recall it here in my journal to savor it once again.  

Ahh, the power of chicken soup. 

A first:  I made my first cell phone call.  

DH had a late meeting today, but it went later than planned.  He called me on my "virgin" cell phone.  Not recognizing its funny "ring", I asked O, "What is that?"  

I tracked it to my handbag, and laughed, realizing it was my new cell phone. I knew it was DH calling; he, and he only, knows I have a cell phone. 

By the time I picked up the phone, he had disconnected.

These are smart phones, as it let me know that DH had called (who else?!) and would I like to ring him back?  I did.  I hit the yes button, and in seconds, he answered, deflowering my phone.  

He lets me know he's stuck on the freeway. I take advantage of the situation, and whisper sweet nothings in his ear.

We live in a wondrous time.  

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