My husband Keith and I decided to get a dog. Primarily cat lovers, we surprised ourselves with the decision. Married less than a year and recent transplants to Washington State, we felt an urge to extend our family unit. Way past the point of having children, we thought a furry companion we could love that would love us in return was the way to go.
We researched breeds aligned with what we wanted and quickly concluded it was a Havanese: they’re small, intelligent, and extremely affectionate. Sunny-Boy stole our hearts with his cheerfulness, curiosity, spirited personality, and unrestrained affection.
This little pu
ppy has caused me to stop and reflect on what it is that young and old alike, shy girls, and even macho men, are drawn to. It’s love, puppy love. Puppies have the potential to open our hearts, enabling us to give and receive love in a non-threatening and authentic way. We are transformed by the experience—even if briefly—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Observing my own response and those of others around Sunny-Boy, I discovered there’s an increase in smiling and spontaneous, uninhibited laugher. Faces soften, eyes sparkle, and a carefree, childlike playfulness takes over. A dear friend of mine lost her dog last year and only recently adopted another. As I watched her interact with her new sidekick, laugh with delight and play, my heart melted. It was obvious this rescued dog brought joy into her life. A fact clearly reflected in both her physical and mental states.
On a spiritual level time stands still, and the joy of the present moment is all there is. Worries heavy on our minds vanish, defenses drop, and judgments fade. We connect, through the form of a dog, with love, our essence and source. We’re free to be ourselves. We experience loving and being loved unconditionally. It feels good, natural, effortless, and right.
There are no accidents, no mistakes. I believe my move to Washington State is an invitation from my heart to expand and raise my level of God consciousness, God being love. I’ve no doubt Sunny-Boy is one of my appointed teachers as was my cat, Simon. His calm, self-assured, Zen-like presence helped me learn to connect more easily with the stillness inside of me.
Sunny-Boy’s demeanor—a completely different energy–teaches an open, enthusiastic, non-judgmental approach to life. In the short time he’s been in our care, I’ve come to appreciate his uncensored love. He delights in everything and everyone, and has no trouble expressing his joy. He feverishly licks, energetically jumps, and uncontrollably wags his tail with half his body going along for the ride.
Every moment together is a new one, with a clean slate; no past grudges holding him back, no worries he may not measure up. I am accepted regardless of how I look, where I live, how much money I have, or what I do for a living. He simply wants to be with me and live happily. I am inspired by his authenticity, innocence, vulnerability, and trust. He is an excellent example and reminder for me to live in the present moment, accepting who and what comes my way without judgment so that love finds expression.
This is a spiritual practice A Course in Miracles calls forgiveness. It’s simple but not necessarily easy, and requires constant vigilance. Having a reminder is very helpful. Apparently Sunny-Boy is here to support my journey, a gift of grace to help me stay on course.
I’m not advocating everyone run out and get a puppy. It’s just one example, there are many, for remembering the innocence we collectively thought we lost. Feeling childlike and free strengthens my conviction that there’s a better way of living in the world. Love enters when fear and guilt are removed.
Everyone has the capacity to open their hearts so love can flow through. Opportunities abound. I encourage you to find your puppy love and fall into it wholeheartedly.
Gary says
Absolutely LOVED THIS! You nailed it. The unconditional love is wonderful. But, I think you knew I would love this. 🙂 Best wishes. Adorable!!!!!! p.s. Give my best to Keith.
Marguerite LaDue says
HA! Too funny Gary! You were top of mind for me when I was writing this and thinking of you reading this made me smile. Glad to know I hit the mark!! xoxoxo
Ken Brown says
Our family just lost our friend and dog Phoebe. We understand- Ken and family
Marguerite LaDue says
Ouch…yes the loss of our furry friends is difficult for sure. No doubt many wonderful memories come to mind when you think of Phoebe and they make you smile. She lives on!! Thanks Ken.
Jay says
Beautiful, clear and life-giving ( as all your posts are, Marquerite! ) I can so see how perfectly Simon helped anchor the feminine stillness within you that attracted the loves of your life- first yourself, then Keith, then Washington , a dream house and now Sunny-Boy! Such a great reminder that our perfect teachers come when we are ready. I love how you both trusted your intuition to get a dog. How perfectly he mirrors the pure love, devotion and playfulness of your partnership! My heart explodes with joy for you! Love and miss you, Jay
Marguerite LaDue says
Thank you Jay. Your words are over the top and greatly appreciated. Yes our teachers are everyone and everything and everywhere. We simply have to open our hearts (and minds and ears and eyes) to receive. I love you. xoxo
Sabrina says
Thanks for sharing Marguerite! Miss you and enjoy hearing from you via your blog! Hope you both are doing well and are settling in nicely to your new home! <3
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Sabrina! We’re doing great! Although I must admit I am lacking exercise :-(( You and bootcamp certainly kept me on track! Remember if you are in this area let me know as you are welcome any time. xoxoxo
Beverly Hamilton says
Sunny-Boy is an excellent example showing us that sharing love is beyond words.
Marguerite LaDue says
Yes he is!! And yes you’re so right – no words can describe, must be experienced. Love you my dear wise friend. xoxoxo
christine benson says
Thanks for sharing as I know that when I had my wonderful dog, Chico, he gave me a good sense of playfulness, and thinking of one , other than myself…….
Funny, I just ran into Chico’s new owner Helen, yesterday and she just loved and misses Chico as much as I do. What a gift he was to all who knew him.
XOXO
Christine
Marguerite LaDue says
You raise a great point Christine when we’re with our dogs we’re engaged in giving love and don’t have room for “what about me?” HA!! The getting is in the giving and that’s the secret for any relationship. I love you xoxoxo
Sabrina Tanner says
So well written. I really enjoyed your insights. Yes, pets can bring a lot of joy and happiness to our lives! I have had many wonderful pets in the past, and will always remember the spiritual “gifts” that each one of them shared with me,
Marguerite LaDue says
So glad you enjoyed this Sabrina! Pets are an easy way of easing into letting more love into our lives. The real opportunity is with the two-legged ones that don’t come in such sweet packages – HA! I love you xoxoxo
julianna says
When are you going to write a book? Your writing is exquisite.
However, I have to put a word in for cats. While perhaps not as ebullient as puppies, kittens and cats can (and do) bring equal amounts of joy and unconditional love and authenticity to the game. My own Zeus and Zephyr certainly make any potentially mundane moment full of life!
Love you my friend. (Keith too!)
xo Julianna
Marguerite LaDue says
Julianna! Yes of course kittens and cats bring joy and unconditional love and authenticity – they’re another form of “puppy love” :-))
And thank you for your compliment. I hope to start working on my book shortly. Stay tuned! I love you dear one. xoxoxo
keith says
Aww! Sunny-Boy so much love shines from him! So nicely written as always!
Love you, Keith
Marguerite LaDue says
And from you! Love you honey and thank you for all your support. xoxoxo