[…] But Odie’s most favourite phrase in the whole world, the one that makes him delirious; that has him scrambling on my laptop (and deleting entire sections of writing); reaching ever higher to lick the kids; making his trademark bark-moan-beg sounds if we don’t quickly get our act together, is: “Walkie time!”
To offer to walk Odie is to taste pure happiness.
Every day, we walk Odie along the same paths. He eats the same food at the same time. We use the same words to the same effect. For a life so circumscribed, how is it that our bounties feel so limitless? In a life of ups and downs, perhaps it is the uncomplicated nature of the relationship that we have come to love. […]
He will begin a new year of receiving and giving joy in the same ways as the last four years.
It’s a simple life. And therein lies its beauty.
— Ranjana Srivastava, from “In a Life of Ups and Downs, we have come to cherish our dog’s uncomplicated love” (The Guardian, December 26, 2024). Ranjana Srivastava is an Australian oncologist, award-winning author and Fulbright scholar. Her latest book is called A Better Death
Sweet, and true. 😊
Yes!
that is a life with no worries
Yes. What a life that would be. Dull?
One of the (many) reasons I treasure my pups…they keep it real and demonstrate *every* day how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. The other thing I’ve learned from them? Greet those you love with unabashed enthusiasm…whether seeing them after 2 hours or 2 minutes. The effects are profound.❤️
Yes! So true!
We can learn so much from our pups.
We can!
A little unconditional, exuberant, canine love can’t help but buoy the human spirit..
So much!
Sometimes I wish I were a dog (with a caring owner!) 😉
Me too!
I love the questioning look. Emma does that too. I bet Wally does as well.
All the time!
Loved this. Thank you for sharing. The full story was a treat. Off to checkout Ranjana.
👍
I read that too, LOVED IT and I adore the little fun-bundle Odie – a beautiful life fully lived. He sees the essentials of a doggie life.
He sure does!
Test
I received this comment in my Comment cue but did not receive an email notification.
Odie, is so darling…I already love him & wish I could sit next to him and pet him. (yes we watch the youtube areas on cats, dogs, etc.) oh, and of course sitting with dogs – Rocky K. <<he is great! He goes to the animal shelter and helps the pups get settled
Me too Christie!