This afternoon, although a splash of nip infiltrated the air we set about our journey in the neighborhood. Hurricane is an extremely powerful creature and he’s been taught when other dogs approach to lie on his belly and ‘wait’ for others to pass before we continue on, so he’s not jumping all over other dogs and people. This way I don’t have to attempt to control him without pulling my arms out of their socket. Well, I’ll tell you a secret; this is about as effective as telling a toddler not to touch a shiny glass ornament hanging on the Christmas tree. It just doesn’t always happen!
We were marching at a somewhat brisk pace when Hurricane spotted a gentleman with his gaze downward strolling at a deliberate slow rate as if mulling over a thought in his mind. Hurricane glanced upward and immediately bellied-down with his muzzle placed between his two front paws. The man stopped in close enough proximity to reach out and touch Hurricane, to which he did.
Being the loving, attention hungry dog he is, he sat straight up and placed his head beneath the man’s hand indicating the desire to be petted. The man’s slight smile signified Hurricane’s behavior was acceptable and welcomed.
We stood momentarily, both sets of eyes fixed on Hurricane’s salutation and contentment at being stroked and caressed when I finally commented to Hurricane, ‘There, did that make you happy?’
To which the man fleetingly peeked into my eyes and replied, ‘It sure made me happy!’
I proceeded on while a thought crept into my mind; what trouble-free gestures do we present over the course of any given day that has the power to make someone happy? Or to add joy to a somewhat seemingly dismal day?
I for one will attempt to be more cognizant of that power within my grasp.
28 comments:
Pets can bring pure joy to the hearts of people.
Awww! Who knows what troubles/worries you and Hurricane interrupted or made better by that simple interaction. How sweet.
Pay it Forward my friend. It is the smallest of gestures that can melt a heart :)
I on the other hand have a dog for each shoulder socket :D
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I love that story. Also I am mightily impressed with the lay down routine. What a great thing to teach a dog.
It's remarkable how dogs can tell just what a person might need.
How nice that your dog can "read" people!!
This is just a lovely little story and such a good thought for the day! It didn't go where I thought it was. I thought it was going to be about Hurricaine misbehaving, and instead it is a lovely story about being mindful to bring small pleasures to brighten another's day.
Oh, I love the thoughts in this one. It is so good. I completely agree. We never know when something we say or do can help to lift another's burdens and give them a moment of peace. Good job!!
What a great dog you have - so incredibly well mannered. He sounds very soulful and wise.
My favorite thing to try to change someones day is to smile at people. It is amazing how many people are hesitant to share a smile with a stranger. I enjoy seeing their expressions as they shyly pass a grin back my way.
I suppose it's a bit different with Goldens... they always look so friendly. I always get "do your dogs bite?" with German Shepherds. Funny how that works...
I would have felt better if the man had asked permission to pet Hurricane. But, I'm glad it all worked out so well and you touched another person's life simply by deciding to take a walk with your dog. :)
You dog sounds so sweet! Mine would be too busy barking to let someone pet them :o(
Wonderful story and what a great dog you have!
I smile at all i meet while out, especially older people knowing their circle of friends has possibly shortened.I also like to offer a greeting to many.Here in the Midwest we all wave when passing on a county or country road.
LOVED this story, Tracy, and Hurricane is my kinda dog :D What's so nice is that it's all so contagious, a kind word, a gesture, a smile, a laugh, you can't go wrong.
Hey, did you notice in your photo of the paw print (which is really good) that if you look at it a little longer, it looks like a smiling face? See it?
XOXOXO
Have to cock your head to the right
Hi Tracy, You have such a wonderful way with words. I have noticed that pets have a way of reaching folks when nothing else can. We all need to be mindful of the small gestures we make each day that bring a heartwarming smile to those we meet.
About your questions, I usually only use my photos on my blog, but since we did not have a camera in those days, I found "substitutes"; I was surprised to be able to find the very items that were mentioned in my story. I would love to see your treasury of hand-sewn gifts from years gone by when you unpack them some time. I don't ever recall "Aunt Lucy" without her cobbler's apron on! Your blog friendship is a blessing and I wish you a Merry Christmas!
The day of the birth of the babe is very near as our heart fill with love and best wishes for each other... Wishing you all the best .... Will be looking forward to what the new year has waiting for us... Blessings...
What a lovely post!! It's the end of my lunch and this is the last post I'm going to get to read--What a great way to start my afternoon! I hope your afternoon goes well too!!
What a neat post. I wish my dogs would lie quietly while someone walks by. They assume everyone wants to greet them and pet them. Most of the time they're correct.
Right now they're all busy greeting the UPS man and the mailman. After all, every package must be for them, right?
Happy holidays and thank you for stopping by our blog.
Sue -Morgan, Tsar and the Porties
I believe we have the power within to make or break someone's day with little effort. Why not make it a great day for someone instead of the other. Our canine friends already know the power of influence. By instinct they know how to use it.
T
it takes such a little to make others so happy.
This is a great post. Thanks so much for my blessing here today.:)
Merry Christmas.
Beautiful post- and so very good to remember!
Thank you.
Never doubt for one minute, that the little things in life are the most important. I enjoyed that story very much. Thanks for taking the time to drop by today.
Aww...this really made me smile. Wonderful post, Tracy. Thanks! :D
I so agree.
I help when I can. But the small things are so meaningful and I'm always so grateful to be able to participate when I can.
:)
That's such a wonderful story! We have a Golden Retriever too, and she just loves people!
Popped back over to answer your comment. You asked about some prize and honestly if I had given out a prize I must definitely would have waited on you. Sorry but I think I'm confused!
Do you need a prize? I might be able to dig one up :D
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Tracy you write beautifully.
"I proceeded on while a thought crept into my mind; what trouble-free gestures do we present over the course of any given day that has the power to make someone happy? Or to add joy to a somewhat seemingly dismal day?" Someone reaching out to someone else just from a comment :) I am so happy to have found your blog Tracy. I am still reading. Like reading a wonderful book. I keep coming back.
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