by Heather Miller
Have you ever looked at something in amazement? Have you ever wondered how something so amazing can be so simple? I wondered both of these questions the other night when I came home from work and I am still pondering the answer.
I got home from work the other night, stressed from everyday stresses, as most people are, after a hard days work. I did my normal routine, checking the mail, listening to the answering machine, checking the cats and letting the dogs out. While doing this, my mind was elsewhere. Did I forget to call my mom? Did I get all my haircuts right? What will I make for dinner? As I was thinking all of these things, I was standing outside with my dogs, and suddenly, my thoughts stopped. As I was watching them play, I was in complete amazement.
They didn't have a care in the world. Life was so simple for them. They were running, tails wagging, chasing each other up the enormous snow banks. They were having so much fun. And for a few seconds, I found myself envying my dogs. We get so caught up in our everyday lives, our everyday struggles, that we forget to play in the snow. We forget to wag our tails. Looking at them, I couldn't help but smile. They were so happy. Anyone who knows me knows my pets are my life. Taking care of them is my top priority. They rely on me, and at that very moment, while watching them play, I realized something. I rely on them also. I rely on them to make me smile, even when I can't think of another reason to do so. I rely on them to make me laugh, when no on else can. They need me as much as I need them.
So with this being said, next time you are thinking about how cold it is outside, or how depressing this winter has been, take a moment and look at your pets. Look at how happy they are, tails wagging and running in the snow. Then try putting on some snow pants and a hat and a smile and join them. A simple, yet amazing pleasure both you and "your best friend" can enjoy!
