Smile!

On a news show this evening a reporter was asking people what makes them smile. What makes them happy? I knew right away, as it was something I had been noticing for a while. Not money, not fame, nothing material. Nor was it the love of a good man. Although that would be wonderful. What makes me consistently, unerringly, unfailingly happy is the sight of a dog simply being a dog.

Driving and seeing a dog with its head thrust out of the window enjoying the
air, the movement, the pleasure of going somewhere, anywhere just as long as it is with its person makes me grin foolishly. I could be worried, anxious, preoccupied but that sight puts me squarely in the present, in the now. And in that moment I am happy, content.

Going to and from my neighborhood I regularly pass a local dog park and it is a joyous place. Dogs playing with each other, running full out, chasing balls, sniffing pungent messages left by other dogs, in other words, being themselves. Of course there is the occasional scuffle but these dogs, for the most part, play well with others and enjoy doing so. And then there are their humans. Who knows what they would be doing if not for the bond they have with these animals? Playing Angry Birds or Beer Pong, watching daytime television or HSN? But here they are enjoying a good walk, the great outdoors and companionship…. canine and human. It makes me smile every time.

Then it happens again when I get home. I smile like a fool. I could be gone ten minutes or ten days but the greeting is the same. Diva runs down the hallway to find a toy, even the rag of a toy and throws it in the air to celebrate my homecoming. Ziggy is a bit more subtle. A big stretch, a yawn, a grin, and then a trot down the hall for a treat. We are a mutual admiration society and I cannot imagine life without them.