untitled (because I could not come up with a name)
half the time I wish I knew what levi was thinking and then the other half I’m glad I don’t because part of it would probably be - why do you make things so complicated ??
There is joy in a toy, a good meal, an unexpected snack or pats and kisses. Why must you get sad over things when i greet you so happy and my tail wagging ready to play and spend time with you?!
And he would be right what greater joy is there in the world than a wide smile and hug from a friend? a jubilant wagging tail of a dog delighted to see you and play? the subtle purr of a cat rubbing up against you as their tail wraps around your leg in a greeting of kindness?
These are the soft, sweet moments of care that surround and uplift us when life is harder than we thought it would be.I write this while softly stroking my sweet levi’s paw, and appreciating his quiet sensitivity to when i am completely off my game.
I understand it is not in everyone’s wheel house to have furry families - so for some, they will not agree, or even imagine a big dog and 2 cats in their bed as a gentle healing process. But for others they might completely get it. Maybe it is the blessing and curse of not being able to speak to each other across species, so communication happens through gesture - not words. It is actions of kindness, care, and love that work through their world.
Pats to know they are cared for, food to let them know they are secure and taken care of, play to share with them you enjoy their company.
I have relayed to my son several times that I wished I had a dog before I had him because of so much I learned from levi. I would have been a much (emphasis on Much) better parent.
Levi has taught me so much! The importance of discipline and also when to let it go, when it just isn’t going to happen that day and it’s okay. The value of intelligence and the understanding that with that intelligence comes a strong will of their own, that you must keep and foster and figure out how to let them thrive. And lest I let myself off the hook, the very serious responsibility it is to look after another souls well-being and heart. I wasn’t the best at that with my son, but I’m working on it. And I feel that our furry loved ones give us new chances to grow in that way.
As levi dreams at my feet - quietly barking and running with his paws, I take some faith in him having good dreams from his play time at the park. It grants me some peace.
And let’s not overlook the cats, I am lucky to have 2 beautiful sweetie pies (demons, that I love) - who also have an astounding ability to test my patience and then be adorable about 10 seconds later, which has me laughing into my sleeve so they cannot see that they were never actually going to be in trouble in the first place.
Sooo very similar to my horrible ability to chastise my son for wrong doings when he was young. Not that he never got in trouble, I just may have ducked in the bathroom to laugh about it before I had to come out and be stern.
(flashback to calvin and hobbes - cookie stealer moment, if you don’t know - it is hilarious, look it up) :) And yes, my son actually did this...giggles abound!!!
PS. completely unauthorized picture grab from the internet and definitely no endorsement from Bill Watterson
