Today's MOZEN: Pure Joy

With Rex

The joys of owning a dog are too numerous to mention. And, there's good scientific reason for that; the dog's evolutionary survival mechanisms are no longer their hunting or herding skills (although some breeds do exhibit those behaviors when trained by humans to do so) but, rather their ability to please human beings - literally. Even their very expressions are evolutionarily designed to bring out empathy from people - and, eventually food, shelter, and companionship.

Now, these scientific facts should in no way affect the sacred bond between human and dog. In fact, it was meant to be this way - literally.

Luca

Of all their many endearing qualities the one that I perhaps find the most appealing is their shear joy at even the simplest of moments. It's as if they experience every encounter as if it was the first time - it's always fresh, always new, AND always fun!

Every single time that you even ask them if they would like to go for a ride in your car, it's as if you offered them freedom itself. Then, the car ride is even better with them sticking their heads out of the window and beaming a smile at every passing image.

And, how excited are they to see you, even after a short departure? It may have been for just a brief period and yet they still act as if they had never seen you leave and come back before - every time.

Offering them a simple, dry dog biscuit brings the same reaction as if you offered them fillet mignon - every time.

Mention going for a walk, showing them their leash, or teasing them with a ball, always invokes the same reaction. Even simply connecting to the earth by rolling on the ground brings pure joy.

And, it's never manufactured. It comes from their very hearts and souls.

I think that we can learn a lot from dogs. At least I know that I have. They have taught me to never lose the wonderment of what it means to be alive, no matter how simple it may be - to enjoy each moment as if it were the only one - because it is. Remember, they are only with us for a short while. They GET it, and they are are here to show us.