Where we find joy

Earlier today when Scott and I decided to take our fur kids for a walk, the excitement filled the room the minute the words formed, “do you wanna go for a walk?

Yup, energy, zoom, joy, excitement!

It’s such fun to watch the exhilaration – to feel it.

Getting their clothes on – an arm for a treat – through the harness. Mo, pausing, pouting because now we have to go pee and he has to wait. Then, out the door and down the driveway the chill hitting us – winter is no longer coming – it’s here.

As we wandered along our usual path around the corner and down the hill working hard to stay to the left as cars pass – there are no sidewalks – Mo sniffs the shit out of every blade of grass left on the frosted ground and Lily pulls steadily forward searching for a nibble here and there.

But – it’s this moment – as we stopped to pick up what they have left behind, and Lily pulls from Scott to me, looking so lovingly at me and craving my attention. Reaching up, determined to get her hug as she stands on hind legs and I bend to give her the hug that comforts and consoles us both.

The Bellie

So precious, looking at me with those sparkling eyes. I can’t help but smile. She’s been so good all day, sitting mostly quiet by my side. Asking for attention but letting me go back as I need. I hate to disappoint her so I’m sure to bend down and give her kisses on her big ‘ole noggin.

I cannot understand why anyone would judge her simply for what she is. She had no choice, and we will love her all the more for it.

I can’t wait to be done with my daily commitments so I can get down on the floor with her and see that beautiful pink belly looking up at me as I give her the love, she deserves.

Life Poems 8

Buffie

She was beautiful! Her dark soulful eyes shared a tenderness that melted away any pain. Tears would be gone in seconds replaced by laughter and games of tag around the house; she was always it. We sat together at meals and often fell asleep side by side. There’s no denying she was my best friend. She’d been there since before memories took hold. Walking side by side, leaning in in that tender way friends do. I loved how warm she was, soft too. Her silky long hair would swish as she walked, the kaleidoscope of browns, whites and grays. She was old and yet full of life. But today she’s gone. Its my 8th birthday and time is quickly teaching me that pain comes with age. I’ve been lying here in the corner on her blanket by the closet, where she died in my arms, trying to hold on to her. I don’t want to celebrate today. The one wish I have is impossible.

©NicholeDonjè

Joys 2/29-3/6

My favorite things…

This week I’m celebrating, the Bubby. This little girl wakes me up with kisses everyday and makes me feel like the luckiest human on earth each time I walk through the door. When I got her her harness was 5 times smaller and I wish I could say the pitch of her bark was higher but its not, she still squeaks when she’s excited! The treasure of loving her through these almost 12 years has brought joy to my soul and I look forward to many more.

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This week I am grateful for so many things but here is one for each day…

I am grateful for laughter at an event with silly friends on a night I needed to laugh.
I am grateful for Shana’s partnership in our many endeavors.
I am grateful for making a new friend at work an possibly a new hair stylist…very important!
I am grateful for no traffic on a long late night ride.
I am grateful for time chatting with my mom on Saturday morning with the sun shining through her window in her new home.
I am grateful for my family’s laughter, silliness and love of toilet humor!
I am grateful for the quiet walk with the kids in a familiar hood.

Photo ©donjè photography