The Little Things

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Yesterday, I bought Angel one toy: an over-sized squeaky tennis ball. It cost me less than two dollars, but you would thing I had just given Angel the best thing on the face of the planet. No joke, she played with that ball for FOUR hours straight, either by herself or with the occasional toss from me. And I am convinced the only reason she stopped is because she wore herself out.

She found her new best friend in that ball, and I think it even holds the importance to her as a blankie does to a small child. I took her to her non-walk potty area early this morning since she was whining to go out, but before she went down she had to grab that ball. She simply held it in her mouth while she pottied and came back smiling around this big ball.

It's amazing how much pets can teach us. Watching Angel play with this one ball, I was reminded to not only be grateful for what I have, but to delight in it, which is sometimes harder to do than it ought to be. But right now, watching Angel push the ball around, purposefully finding the tall places where she can place the ball and then knock it off so it will bounce brings me delight.

Here's hoping that delight is contagious! Happy Thanksgiving.

[Janet Nezon]

I couldn't agree with you more! I have learned so much about life in general from my doodle, Gus. I've been blogging about it on www.lessonsfromgus.wordpress.com and I've had comments from so many people who can relate. If we keep our eyes open, there are wonderful lessons in front of us every day. Angel sounds like a lovely dog.

[Kyoko]

WE learn a lot from our doodles!! Charlie loves balls, too!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I speak from experience!!! Gordie loves his fuzzy balls and so does Ned (who tears them up). We have found more but the pet stores don't always carry them. My mom's Westie has a favorite toy she sleeps with and we have NEVER found another that had the same special whatever.

[Azure & Muppet]

What a wonderful post. Great story, told with an even greater message. Thank you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Good Advice Nancy.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

GO BACK TO THE STORE RIGHT NOW AND BUY AS MANY OF THE SAME TOY AS YOU CAN. If this turns out to be her very most favorite toy, you will want to be able to replace it again and again and you might not be able to do so in the future.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

What a sweet blog! And so true! Our dogs find joy in the little things, they can teach us so much! :)

[Jenna B. & Chianti]

Great blog and very perfect in the spirit of the holidays. Enjoy your blessings in Angel!

[Karen & Lucy]

Lucy's favorite toys have squeakers in them and she LOVES to tear them apart until she can get to the squeaker. Money wasted, SO now all I give her is an empty milk jug or pop bottle and she will play with it for hrs. and no cost to me. We do need to appreciate the small things in life and not want the best.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family :-)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I should also add, Peri likes this $.50 ball I bought. It is the cheapest thing I have bought her and it has lasted.