I have been blessed with a family of three wonderful dogs who taught me many spiritual lessons and helped me through some of my toughest times. Puff stayed with us for another five years. Finally, old age took her when she was eighteen. Since Puff was our last dog, my husband and I decided that we’d go petless, but after a year I needed a new, uncritical friend with whom I could talk. One day my husband surprised me by bringing home a quarterpound Maltese puppy. We named her Puff II. She was small, sickly, and needed twenty-four-hour care. She went to work with me and slept behind my desk in a plastic bucket.
Every two to three hours, she’d wake up and squeak. I’d warm baby food and spoon-feed her. My feelings of self-worth returned because I again had a friend and a creature to mother.
My little dog was the smallest of the litter, and her body didn’t produce sugar properly for the first year. She’d go into sugar shock and have s eizu res , just as I did. The fact that we both had s e iz u re s made me feel as if we’d been b r o u g h t together to help each other through this devastating disorder. During the period when Puff II had seizures, I cared for her around the clock. I greatly appreciated that the company I worked for allowed me to bring my dog to work with me. The bonds of love, compassion, and understanding between us grew incredibly strong.
Puff II is now a healthy dog. Although I am better able to manage my seizures, Puff II cuddles into my side, just as her predecessor, Puff I, had done, reassuring me as if she understands. Her vigilance demonstrates the spiritual principle that what goes around, comes around.
Puff II has taught me not to be so serious and to realize that life is only a temporary reservation on this planet. She has helped me to enjoy the simplest things. She’s there when I need ears to listen that don’t scrutinize what I’m saying. She has the heart of a Great Dane and a gusto for living. She’s shown me how to leap over problems and leave them behind me. Some people look at me with concern when I express how my dogs have helped me. But I believe that everything and everyone is on this earth to teach me something. My little guardian angel, Puff II, is currently teaching me much.
Meditation
Will your ills today form a circle of compassion for other family members tomorrow?
Allen and Linda Anderson are pet-experts, keynote speakers, bestselling authors, and founders of the Angel Animals Network. They help people discover and benefit from the miraculous powers of animals.
Dedicated to promoting human-animal companionship, Allen and Linda donate a portion of proceeds from their work to animal rescue organizations and do fundraising activities. www.angelanimals.net. Email: [email protected].