Life with a GoofMutt

Jack is a white golden retriever and lab mix.  We call him our GoofMutt because it fit whatever kind of dog he really is.  He is one of the most joyful beings I’ve ever encountered.  I’ve learned a lot from this guy and I truly appreciate him.

One of Jack’s best traits, other than his joy for EVERYTHING, ALL OF THE TIME, is his living in the moment.  He is mindful.  Mindfulness is one of those things we all strive for.  We want to be part of what is going on, invest in the people around us, feel that connection with the here and now.  We want to stop to smell the roses.  It comes so easily to him.  It doesn’t matter what he does, he enjoys it.  When things are tense or someone isn’t well, Jack is RIGHT there by your side feeling it with you and loving you know matter what.  And he takes joy in knowing that he has you to care about.  He really, really does.  

Jack is curious.  We’ve had to put a child lock on the cabinet where we keep the trash can.   It took him some time, but he can open it.  He can open jars, canisters, and medicine bottles with childproof caps.    And he can lock doors.  Yeah, I’ve been locked out twice.   I haven’t witnessed anything that he’s hasn’t been able to figure out.  I love his curiosity.  And I’m more curious now because of him.  Hey, if my dog can figure open a childproof cap without chewing up the bottle, I can sure figure out how to, say, write a computer program.  Yes, his antics sometimes leave me baffled, however he’s usually so proud of what he’s figured out, it is difficult to be mad.  He amazes me.

Jack came into my life at a very crucial time.  I didn’t know it at the time, but I was headed into a very dark place.   

I lost my WOW in life.  His continual joy, love, acceptance, living in the moment and being true to who he is were and still are an important part of my getting my own WOW back.   

Jack has WOW! My old WOW in life is gone, but the newer, cleaner, purer WOW I have now is more Jack-like, and for that I am grateful.   

Life is simpler now.  No masks, no pretense, no regrets, just me.  I don’t shed fur all over the place like he does, but I hope I shed as much joy to those in my life as Jack gives me.  

Who knew that a GoofMutt could be an angel in fur?  I didn’t.  But he truly is heaven sent.  Do you have a fur covered, 4 legged angel in your life? I hope so.  I truly hope so.