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POOR Hero ! The visits to the grands is NEVER easy for him. For some strange reason, he refuses to stay in the house with the four little admirers and instead spends a lot of time hiding outside. Perhaps it is the flash back to those early days when they were toddlers and babies and he was their rescue. I have to admit - he did not have an easy life and I was not particularly happy when he was added to the mix. Those early years when #1 Daughter had her hands not just full but overflowing were survival years for Hero. He was a runner during those years and they eventually ended up in doggie court. (Who could blame him) He was sentenced to a little surgery and a chipping forever marking who was supposed to be watching out for him. Hero still insisted on heading for the hills every time he was given a chance to make a break for it. These days he is like me, my running for the hills more closely resembles an amble to the mailbox.
Hero's world changed when he came to live with Lulu after an injury. They certainly did not have time to rehab a dog from a back injury with four children---one a baby--all under 6. I did not take him with a good attitude, but more out of compassion for an injured dog who could barely walk. Over the weeks that followed, I gave him his meds daily, provided food to entice him to eat, and carried him--literally outside for bathroom breaks. We began a slow physical therapy regime with short walks and lots of me scooping him up to carry him. What started out as a short stay to nurse him back to health ended with me announcing he is mine for good. After weeks of rehab, lots of vet visits ($$$), and slowly growing to like the little stinker, Hero wormed his way into my heart. I began to enjoy his company and he became someone who needed my care and attention.
Hero has the good life these days--ask anyone who has been to my home. My schedule revolves around taking care of him and meeting his needs. He can be a very needy dog. His old age has truly become the golden years for Hero and there is little doubt about who is in charge.
Many times we serve others with a poor attitude. We resent our schedules being interrupted, we do not want to be physically challenged with hard work, we had rather be pursuing what we enjoy, why it is even easier to write a check than to get down in the ditch and toil. No one likes getting dirty, no one wants to sweat, no one likes being out of their comfort zone, and who wants to be stretched. Why would we want to serve the poor, the not so beautiful, those who are different, those who might not smell like a flower? Who wants to stop and listen to a sad story when there are things I want to do to make me happy? Who wants to be inconvenienced? Each and every time I have done the right thing and held out a hand to do what was needed, I have been rewarded. It might not have been what I thought I wanted to do, but I have always been glad for the opportunity---even when I began with a bad attitude. Those bad attitudes can slowly grow sweeter with time, endeavor, and commitment. Hero has provided countless hours of company when I was lonely, given me reason to go for those daily walks, and given me an introduction to neighbors who stopped to give him a pet. Hero has provided as much if not more enjoyment than any work or inconvenience he has been. I would have never realized this joy--had I not first taken the step to be inconvenienced. What's in an attitude--the opportunity to change it!
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly:
defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Proverbs 31:8-9
I'm so glad that you allowed yourself to be inconvenienced in order to take care of Hero, Lulu. He's turned out to be the perfect companion! Yes, none of us like to be inconvenienced, but sometimes it's in those exact opportunities that we find ourselves blessed beyond measure.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
Hero is a listening ear in a quiet house, Martha. He has provided sweet companionship.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Hey Lulu .... thanks for the nudge to living with a positive spirit instead of whining, being under compulsion, going around with a long face. My bad attitude is a lousy witness ... and it surely must seep out even though I think I have it covered!
ReplyDeleteThe struggle is real fir many of us, Linda. I have to occasionally have a heart check.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!