Monday, August 1, 2011

Muchness

Dogs have muchness. Pluck. Passion. Joie de vie! That depth of feeling found in puppies and children is never totally extinguished with age and experience in our dogs. Although an old dog may not hop up at every sound or human movement, they are still eager to go for a walk and enjoy a delicious yummy when the occasion arises. When they stop doing these things, we tend to get nervous.

"Something's wrong with Fido, he's just not acting right" .  That's usually when dogs end up at the vet.

Where does this ability to live in the moment come from? Some might say ignorance. Others would attribute it to simply instinctual behaviors, nothing more complex. But as we all know, there's no joy like the joy of a dog.  No playtime as fervent, no loyalty as passionate, or no food more enticing (than our own) to a dog. If we watch them do their doggie thing, they are fully there. Present. Engaged. Giving their all.

I find it tough to do this. It's a constant struggle, a conscious effort. What's the reward?
Muchness. In all things and not looking back with regrets or shame.

A few months ago we had a lost pup wander into the clinic, muddy and tired from what was surely an ill-conceived attempt to run away during a thunderstorm. The poor kid was shaking and tired; nerves fried from her ordeal. It was still early in the morning but we called the # on her collar. Mom said she'd be on her way. Without thinking, I grabbed some shampoo and towels and began to wash the poor dog. She was small, and stood on her hind legs to sniff me as I washed the dirt and worry away. She was safe. The storm was over and she licked my face. I was a stranger to her, just living in the moment, doing one good thing for its own sake, and loving every minute of it.  I felt just like a dog.



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12 comments:

  1. Such a sweet story. She knew just where to wander after that storm.

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  2. The hardest thing about being in the moment as humans is that we overthink and must surrender to it...instead of dogs who just simply let it happen, good choice or bad, grand outcome or not.

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  3. Siku Marie is just so wise. Great comment.

    Sweet post - great food for thought. We could all learn so much from our pups.

    The OP Pack Mom

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  4. We'll khonkhur with The OP Pakhk Momster -

    Hugz&Khysses,
    Khyra and Her Mom

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  5. Thanks for sharing your beautiful, touching story with us. I hope the pup is back with her Mom.

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  6. Agreed. Wonderful story. It is always such a great feeling to get in touch with that moment and just live it. :) Sounds like you and that pup were just there, together. Is there any better feeling?

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  7. Awww what a lovely tear jerker (in a good way) story! :)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  8. You know, it IS tough to live in the moment- I've been working on that lesson for a long, long time now. I love how free the dogs are. Those moments when Sophie jumps in the pool, then butt tucks around the yard with great joy is a reminder of what it means to enjoy the moment!

    Anyway, happy Wednesday to you, and it's good to be back to the bloggy world!
    Jen and the Black Dog Crew

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  9. We agree! For hoomans it is tough to live in the moment BUT us pups have it down pat. Great comments by all.
    Happy Wags
    ernie,sasha,chica,lucas

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  10. One of my very favourite quotes from the Mad HAtter is " You used to be much more "Muchier"/ You've lost your muchness." It's such a shame that as humans we can't seem to fully live in the moment the way our dogs do.

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  11. Such a sweet story... I'm glad that it had a happy ending!

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