On September 5th, 2009, we brought Charlie home. We got him from a border collie rescue — the funniest looking border collie pup you’ve ever seen. The black and white markings unmistakenly border collie, but the long, long legs and pointy nose, the dancing energy tempered with an un-border collie mellowness… well, he’s not purebred.
We believe he’s a lurcher — part border collie, part sighthound. He looks a lot like the border-greyhound crosses I googled and while he creeps and herds like a border collie, he runs and lounges like a greyhound. A strange cross, but we love him.
I was walking him one morning through the arbolada (The tree-lined area I call home) and thinking about all the lessons I’ve learned from my animals.
My first dog, an Irish Setter, was a reflection of my teen-aged emotions.
The Danes I’ve had in the past were protective… I entrusted my children, my home, myself to their Nana-energy… reflecting my fear of coming out in the world.
The shepherds and border collies were so focused on the task at hand — the ball, the chickens, the agility course — that play was secondary… reflecting my intense drive to accomplish.
Most were so attached to me that they let very few others in.
Charlie is different. He engages with everyone.
I have never had a dog that got along with everyone and everything. Not a territorial bone in his body, Charlie is friends with all creatures. Never submits to aggressive dogs nor does he fight. If they’re cranky, he just goes on his way.
He plays with everyone willing to romp, getting low for the little dogs, holding his own with the big ones.
He respects the cats and the wildlife and most of all us. He heels so well, I was able to ride through town on my spirited mare and he only attended to us.
He loves hikes, runs, and most of all water. The best beach dog ever. Not a great fetcher, no, he just adores the ocean, the waves, the sand, the seabirds, the fishermen, the other dogs, the surfers, the children digging immense sand caves… never a nuisance, always respectful, yet no one can resist his sweet face and wagging tail.
Watching Charlie check his messages along our walk this morning, I realized just how much he has taught me…
- Keep in contact with your friends. Check your messages and answer every one, if only by tweeting.
- Smile at everyone. Hug those who need it. Gently press against those not quite ready for a full body hug.
- If others are grumpy, let them be. There’s always more friends to be found.
- If you’re hot, get wet.
- If you’re cold, cuddle up.
- Don’t enter unless invited. But once invited, thank your host profusely.
- Respect cats and other creatures different from you.
- Just hang out and relax, even if you have to wait a long time for your loved ones to return.
- Enjoy the ride, the run, the day, the sun.
- Laugh in the rain. Romp in the mud. Take your bath lightly.
- Be patient with caregivers, they’re only trying to help.
- If you can, figure out things on your own.
- If not, ask for help.
- Be ready to go at a moment’s notice.
- Love your family
- Love your friends
- Love everyone you meet
- Listen carefully to your higher self. She has your best interest at heart.
- Remember Life is Joy.
Charlie seems to be a reflection of where I am now. I love my family, my friends, most everyone I meet. I try to attend carefully to my higher self. And I know without a doubt that life is joy.
Love and Light,
Deborah Maragopoulos MN FNP
Intuitive Integrative Health
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